Fountain Park's 80-ton monument to the Civil War was dedicated in 1889

SHEBOYGAN - The American Civil War left a deep impression on the citizens of Sheboygan, and there was a push to build a monument during the 19th century after the war.

It was decided on July 14, 1888, at a regular meeting of the Grand Army of the Republic Gustavus Wintermeyer post, "That a monument be erected in some suitable place in the city of Sheboygan in honor and memory of all the fallen and dead heroes of the War of the Rebellion, from 1861 to 1865, and that efforts be made to raise the necessary funds."

A 1989 Press clipping, provided by Sheboygan County Historical Research Center, said the park became known for patriotic events. A memorial monument was just the ticket for the park.

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According to a 1937 Sheboygan Press clipping, the monument was built in 1889. The monument became possible because of The Soldiers' Monument Committee. Trustees included early Sheboygan leaders James H. Mead, George End, Thomas M. Blackstock, Michael Winter and John M. Kohler, who made sure the funds were there for the building of the monument.

The contract to build the monument was awarded to Henry Scheele, who had a budget of $6,000, but actually was built for $5,000.

The stone chosen for the monument was cut and chiseled at the quarries in Barre, Vermont. The quality of the stone was considered so durable that a bronze plate was not used as the inscription was carved in the third-tier stone that formed the base.

The monument weighs 80 tons. Six wooden flat cars were required to bring it from the Vermont quarries to Sheboygan.

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Dedication for the monument was in October 1889.

A Milwaukee Sentinel clipping from Oct. 18, 1889, said the following about that day:

The dedication of the monument erected to the memory of the soldiers of Sheboygan County, who perished in the war, was fittingly celebrated on October 17, 1889, by the most imposing ceremonies ever witnessed in Sheboygan.

At an early hour, visitors began coming in from all parts of the county by hundreds, and all incoming trains were crowded with people anxious to witness the unveiling of the finest Soldiers monument in this part of the Wisconsin. The music of bands and the clamor of drum corps began at dawn and continued almost uninterruptedly during the entire day. The U.S. steamer, Andy Johnson, came into harbor during the forenoon and added the noise of her cannon to the general din of the celebration.

Mayor Seaman had issued a proclamation, advising the closing of all places of business and for the most part, the order was obeyed.

Among the distinguished visitors who attended were Governor Hoard, Senator Spooner, Secretary of State Timme, state Treasurer Harshaw, Insurance Commissioner Cheek and Attorney General Estabrook.

Upon arrival of the train from Milwaukee, the gentlemen were escorted to a carriage and the parade took up the line of march. There were over 40 organizations in the procession, the largest number ever witnessed in the history of the city. All the GAR posts in the county and the marines of the Andy Johnson were among the 2,000 people who marched in the procession. There were probably 10,000 visitors in the city that day. The governor, senator and state officers reviewed the parade from their carriages on Ontario Street between 6th and 7th.

According to UW-Madison library archives, Sen. Spooner's speech opined on the courage and sacrifices of the Civil War soldier. He challenged the community to ensure “not one of them may die feeling ... that he is forgotten and forlorn.”

The finished monument features an inscription that reads as follows: "In Remembrance of the Heroes Who Fought for the Union 1861-1865."

Today, the lone Union soldier atop the monument continues to keep a keen eye out for Sheboygan.

Gary C. Klein can be reached at 920-453-5149 or [email protected]. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @leicaman99.

This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Fountain Park Civil War monument in Sheboygan was built in 1889