Some images from Back Home Again, in Indiana

[Mike1]

We often post pictures of the places we've visited, to share the sites we've seen. A few weeks back a young lady and I were driving around Indianapolis, where she had recently moved. We spent a few minutes downtown and it struck me that the Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument is a braw sight that many mighty enjoy seeing. It is certainly not as universally recognizable as the Wallace Monument, but an impressive structure all the same.


Looking north, from Meridian Street


This monument was built in 1901 and was dedicated to Indiana's war heroes in 1902. It commemorates the soldiers and sailors of the War for the Union (1861-65), it also commemorates the War with Mexico ( 1846-48 ), Indian and British Wars (1811-12), War of the Revolution and the capture of Vincennes from the British on February 25, 1779. The glass observation deck, just visible under the top statue, is 230 feet high.


The Monument rises from a circular plaza, 342 feet in diameter, where once stood the governor's house--but where no governor actually ever lived.


The limestone sculptures are the work of Vienna-born sculptor Rudolf Schwarz (1866-1912). The bronze Army Astragal sculptural band above the monument base was designed by Nicolaus Geiger (1849-1897) of Berlin. The Astragal and the eight candelabra were manufactured in Berlin.




These images were taken in mid-March and it was still cold enough the fountains were not in operation.




The Battle of Tippecanoe was fought about 5 miles north of where I am sitting.



I think we can often forget and overlook the wonderful sights that abound in the areas we call home.

[MacWage]

Nice pics!
That is one HUGE memorial.

Interesting note:
"War for the Union: 1861-1865"
One of MANY names for the same conflict.
Down here, it is often termed:
"War Between the States"
In this one, as other wars, the name used often reflects the perspective and aim of that side.
Name on statue: War to save the Union from the fractious rebels
Name down here: War between equal states in disagreement with each other

BUT that is the subject of a WHOLE different forum.

VERY interesting pictures.
Just how TALL is that??
The observation windows are 230 feet up.

I am left with this phrase:
Tippecanoe and Tyler too.

[Mumbles]

Beautiful monument

[Scott Gilmore]

Beautiful monument, very impressive. This the first time I've seen it. Thanks for the tour.

Sadly, we seem to have stopped erecting inspiring edifices of almost any scale; at least that's true where I live. I think American culture has become too self absorbed to pursue grand endeavors like we did several generations ago. No new Chrysler Buildings, Empire State Buildings or Golden Gate Bridges. Instead we have this sort of monstrosity that people pretend is "beautiful."



And these sorts of sculptures, which have their place (at the local playground, but not in grand locations, which is where they are), but certainly fail to inspire.



.

[cessna152towser]

Excellent pics of a truly magnificent memorial which I hadn't even heard of before.

[Pour1Malt]

ta fur the piccies

that thing is muckle huge!

[macwilkin]

It is certainly not as universally recognizable as the Wallace Monument, but an impressive structure all the same.

What about General Lew Wallace, Mike?

T.

[McClef]

In response to Scott Gilmore's comment.

I don't think that it's just America where this happens, modern buildings the world over have developed a large degree of sameness and monuments do not have the scale and variety.

Modernism has taken over and abstract colourful shapes seem to be the order of the day.

[Mike1]

What about General Lew Wallace, Mike?

I was wondering where you were. I figured you might enjoy the images.

Wallace's home was in Crawfordsville, about 30 miles south of where I am.

[gilmore]

It's always comforting to see a monument to Southern marksmanship.