Monument Circle, Indianapolis

The north side of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument represents the Artillery (left) and Navy (right), and has a plaque commemorating the wars before the Civil War and other service.

The plaque reads:

To Indiana's Silent Victors

War with Mexico 1846 1847 1848
Indiana Regiments No's. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
4585 Men

Indian and British War 1811-1812
Battle of Tippecanoe
Indians Defeated Nov. 7, 1811

War of the Revolution
Capture of Vincennes from the British
February 25, 1779

Mexican Border Service
1916 1917
3 Infantry Regiments
1 B'N. Field Artillery
2 Field Hospitals
2 Ambulance Co's.
1 Signal Co.
1 Sanitary Co.
Total Troops 3123

The east side of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is titled "War" and has the sculpture "The Dying Soldier" below it.

It shows the Goddess of War urging a charge by cavalry, infantry, and artillery forces. The photo is a detail of one of the soldiers in the sculpture.

Each side of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument represents something different. The sculptor for all 4 sides was Rudolf Schwarz of Germany.

The south side represents the Infantry (left) and Cavalry (right) and has a plaque commemorating the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.

The plaque reads:

To Indiana's Silent Victors

War for the Union 1861-1865
126 Regiments Infantry 175772
13 Regiments Cavalry 21605
1 Regiment Artillery 3839
28 Companies Artillery 7151
Navy 2130
Total 210497
Killed and Died - Land Forces 24416

Indiana in the War with Spain
5 Regiments Infantry 6693
2 Colored Companies Infantry 219
2 Batteries Light Artillery 356
Engineer Corps 98
Signal Corps 55
Total 7421
Died in Service 73

The monument at Monument Circle is called the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. This is one of the most impressive monuments in the US. It was commissioned in 1887 and finally dedicated on May 15, 1902. The architect was Bruno Schmitz of Germany.

The monument was built to commemorate all those who served in wars before WWI. It is made of Indiana Oolitic limestone and stands 284 ft. 6 in. (15 ft. shorter than the Statue of Liberty). 330 steps lead to an observation deck (or the convenience an elevator if you choose).

Every December since 1962, the monument is decorated as the "world's largest Christmas tree." The lower level of the monument holds the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum.

See the following tips for more specific info.

The top of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument has a large bronze statue representing Victory. It stands 38 ft. tall and is also known as Miss Indiana. The designer was George W. Brewster.

The eagle atop her head stands for freedom, while the torch in her left hand is the "light of civilization". The sword in her right hand resting upon a globe represents victory that is due to the army. She faces south, supposedly overlooking the defeated battlefields of the South.

In the picture, you can also see part of the glass observation deck.

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is surrounded by 4 candelabra that stand 40 ft. tall. There are also 4 smaller candelabra around the base, each with 3 bison head that spit water into a basin. They are made of bronze and were cast in Berlin, Germany by Bruno Schmitz.

In this detail photo, you can see a bear holding up the base of one of the candelabra with another one in the background (you can see other candelabra in some of my other pictures of the monument).

Monument Circle is in the center of downtown Indianapolis. It is one of the most recognizable parts of the city and is a great place to use literally as a hub of your visit to Indianapolis.

The Circle was once known as Governor's Circle and held the Governor's House, although no governor ever actually lived there. The mansion was demolished in 1857. The plaza in the center of the circle is 342 feet in diameter.

Monument Circle is named after the huge monument in the center and is surrounded by commercial property. See the following tips for more info.

Our hotel room had a great view of Monument Circle. The monument, dedicted to those who gave their lives in past wars, particulary the Spanish-American and Civil Wars. There is an observation tower at the top. Pay no mind to anyone that tells you there's a fee to go to the top. If you're claustorphobic, the elevator may be uncomfortable for you (especially if its full to the teeth, like when we went). But, alas, there is no other way to get to the top. From there, the views of the city are wonderful.

During the day, horse and buggy rides takes tourists, lovers and newlyweds around the circle. At night, this is a happening spot for locals.

A symbol of Indianapolis(sometimes called the circle city)This monument in the center of a traffic circle honors those killed in past wars. including the Civil and Spanish-Americian. You can take an elevator or steps and go up to the top. The Friday after Thanksgiving it is turned into a christmas tree from the lights that are hung from it

This is a nice place to visit and see the center of Indianapolis. They have a nice museum under the monument that give a bit of history. There is a chocolate shop on the SW part of the circle called The South Bend Chocolate Factory my family highly recommends. If you are a lover of chocolate or sweets, you must stop and grab a treat. They have the best hot chocolate drink I've ever had! Enjoy the Circle!