Kent County Civil War Monument

The Kent County Civil War Monument features a central fountain with a basin and a Union soldier standing at parade rest in its center. The structure is surrounded by detailed military engravings and sculptural elements that honor those who served.

The monument was built in 1885 and dedicated during the Seventeenth Annual Reunion of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland with Governor Russell Alger present. This dedication connected the local community with national veteran gatherings held in the years following the war.

The monument displays portraits of Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant, James Garfield, and Admiral Farragut with inscriptions of their notable statements. These images let visitors connect directly with the leaders and voices of that era.

The monument is located at the intersection of Division Avenue and Monroe Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids and is easy to find and visit. The space allows you to walk around and view the inscriptions and sculptural details from multiple angles.

A remarkable relief panel titled 'Woman's Mission of Mercy' depicts a woman providing care to an injured soldier, acknowledging the roles women played during the war. This often-overlooked detail adds depth to how visitors understand the broader story of the conflict.