Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Civil War memorial in Monument Circle, Indianapolis, US
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a memorial in downtown Indianapolis that rises roughly 284 feet above the city with a limestone obelisk topped by a bronze Victory statue. The entire structure is surrounded by artworks at its base depicting military scenes and themes.
The memorial was designed and built between 1888 and 1901 by German architect Bruno Schmitz to honor Indiana veterans from various armed conflicts. It commemorates wars from the Revolutionary War through the Spanish-American War and stands as one of the earliest monuments of this kind in North America.
The base features bronze sculptures showing War and Peace, along with figures representing different military branches and their roles. These artworks tell stories of soldiers and service that visitors notice while walking around the monument.
Visitors can reach the observation deck by climbing internal stairs or using the elevator inside the structure, depending on their preference. Access to the observation platform varies by season, so it is worth checking in advance when the best time for a visit would be.
During the Christmas season, the memorial is decorated with thousands of lights that make it look like a giant Christmas tree. This annual transformation creates an entirely different visual effect and draws many visitors eager to see the light display.
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