Perhaps the 150th anniversary of the Civil War is the appropriate time to take a long look, rather than a quick glance driving by, at the monument on the northeast corner of the Vigo County Courthouse lawn. It reads, "In memory of the patriotism and valor of the Soldiers and Sailors of Vigo County in the War of 1861-1865."

This white granite monument is the work of Rudolph Schwarz, the Austrian-born sculptor who also designed the Indianapolis Soldiers and Sailors and the Tippecanoe Battleground monuments. The dedication took place on May 25, 1910, during the 35th annual Grand Army of the Republic encampment.

The four statues, one on each corner, represent the cavalry, infantry, navy and artillery. They were cleaned in 2001, using high pressure dry ice, to return the weathered green figures to their original bronze finish.

Fund-raising for the original project had begun in 1866. The Terre Haute Tribune (May 22, 1910) commented, "The monument is not only a memorial to the dead patriots, but it is also a memorial to the persistence and determination of the memorial association which labored for many years...in the face of general indifference."

Some had wanted the monument erected in the new City Park at 14th and Wabash (now Gilbert Park). Later in 1932, there was a proposal to move it to the Paul Dresser Memorial Park at the west entrance of the Wabash River bridge.

Its present location, Third Street and Wabash Avenue, is the most fitting as it is the spot where many men had enlisted. As you drive by, take a moment to remember these 4,445 Vigo County men who served to preserve our Union.