Soldier's Monument

The Soldier's Monument is a granite obelisk that rises prominently in the College Square Historic District, crowned by a Union soldier statue. The soldier faces south toward the Mississippi River, and the structure rests on a deep foundation made of Nauvoo stone.

The monument was completed in 1881, having emerged from a shift in focus by the Lincoln Monument Association toward commemorating local casualties. This redirection shows how communities worked to preserve their own experiences from the war.

The monument displays four panels with inscriptions honoring Scott County citizens lost in the Civil War, including passages from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. These words remind visitors of the human cost of the conflict and its lasting impact on the community.

The monument stands between Trinity Cathedral and Central High School in a historic downtown area that is easy to walk through. The location offers a quiet setting for reflection and exploring the surrounding neighborhood.

A donor named Nicholas Fejervary gave a significant sum that completely changed the monument's original purpose of honoring Lincoln. His contribution allowed the community to honor its own citizens who died in the war instead.

Location: Davenport

Part of: College Square Historic District

GPS coordinates: 41.53127,-90.57553

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:43