Connecticut's Civil War Monuments

view large image

Milford Green
107 North Broad Street
Milford, CT

Dedicated: August 30, 1888
Type: Granite pedestal and figure
Height: Approximately 30'

SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT, Milford, is significant historically because it is a tangible symbol of honor and respect tendered by the community to those who served in the Civil War. The lettering on the west face of the die indicates a fairly standard arrangement of the local Grand Army of the Republic post, in Milford the George Van Horn Post, organizing and promoting the idea of a monument, but needing general community financial support to execute the project. Cost was $4,000. George Van Horn enlisted October 20, 1861, in the 1st Connecticut Light Battery, was promoted to corporal in 1863, and discharged November 2, 1864.

Dedication ceremonies on August 30, 1888, were suitably impressive. The parade line of march included visiting delegations from 13 G.A.R. posts, four bands, two companies of the National Guard, and Governor Phineas T. Lounsbury and staff, in carriages. Principal address was delivered by Judge Augustus H. Fenn of Winsted, who also was the orator at the dedications of SOLDIERS' MONUMENT, New Hartford; SOLDIERS' MONUMENT, Sharon; and SOLDIERS' MONUMENT, Woodbury (where he was listed as of Plymouth). During the ceremonies there were one 15-gun salute and two 13-gun salutes.

Evening entertainment featured "a Promenade Concert and Lantern Illumination; music by Wheeler & Wilson Band [of Bridgeport], alternating with Songs from Male Choir" (Official Programme).

In 1909 Milford received one of the Rodman guns that were given to Connecticut towns by the United States. For a time it was on the site with SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT. What happened to it is not known.

SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT, Milford, is significant artistically because it is a good example of a tall monument with two-stage pedestal. The first stage is finished as polished raised panels, with incised lettering. Incised lettering is always difficult to read in a polished surface. The upper stage, however, is just the opposite, featuring three-dimensional trophies of great vigor. The base and figure are of good quality, but standard. It is the robustly carved raised trophies that give this monument significance artistically. Thus far, no information has come to hand about the supplier and highly talented stonecarver.

SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT, Milford, stands at the eastern end of a narrow 3 1/3-acre section of Milford Green, which is a median between two roadways. The monument consists of high base, two-stage dado, and crowning figure. Its overall height, including the statue base, is about 30', placing it among the tallest in the state. It is dedicated to all those from Milford who served in the Civil War.

While there is no plinth, the base rises in three high sections. Transition from base to lower stage of dado is made with cyma recta and torus moldings. Faces of the dado are raised polished panels, incised front and back with the lettering recorded below. A pitched cornice with central gablets rises to the upper stage of the dado. The front gablet has the year date 1888; others are blank.

The upper stage of the dado, which also could be called the shaft of the pedestal, is heavily embellished. The front has a raised eagle under crossed flags; the south crossed cannon; the west the badge of the Grand Army of the Republic; and the north an anchor over two pyramids of cannonballs. These trophies are robustly carved in high-relief. Above them the battle names serve as frieze under the coved cornice, which carries a series of pointed arches as in Gothic tracery. The next molding is an egg-and-dart scotia under the flat edge of the top of the cornice.

The soldier stands at rest with his left foot forward, over the edge of the base. His rifle butt direction is parallel with the feet. Left hand is over right on the barrel. Overcoat cape comes to the elbows. Accoutrements are suspended on waist belt. He wears moustache, goatee, and kepi.

Extensive flower beds prevent viewers from approaching the monument.

In the next section of the Green to the west a Vietnam Conflict memorial has been raised. A flagpole stands in the next section to the east.

Front (east) face of die, caps incised in polished raised surface:

    Above, raised caps:

South, above:

West face of die, incised caps:

    Above:

North:

History of Milford, Connecticut, 1639-1939, compiled and written by Federal Writers' Project of Works Progress Administration for State of Connecticut, 1930, pp. 110, 111, and 125.

"Official Programme of the Dedication of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, at Milford, Conn., Thursday, August 30, 1888."