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Soldiers and Sailors Monument

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Recognized as one of the world’s outstanding monuments, the structure has come to symbolize both the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana.

Located in the heart of downtown in Monument Circle, it was originally designed to honor Indiana’s Civil War veterans. It now commemorates the valor of Hoosier veterans who served in all wars prior to WWI, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Frontier Wars and the Spanish-American War. One of the most popular parts of the monument is the observation deck with a 360-degree view of the city skyline from 275 feet up.

Hours & locationSoldiers & Sailors Monument Brochure
FEATURES

Other features of the monument include:

Constructed by Bruno Schmitz

Bruno Schmitz of Berlin, Prussia (Germany) constructed the monument and incorporated many art works into the monument and around the circle. Sculptor Rudolf Schwarz designed the statuary groups “War” and “Peace,” “The Dying Soldier,” “The Homefront” and the four statues at the corners of the monument that represent the Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery and Navy. Additionally, George Brewster created the thirty-eight-foot-tall figure of Victory that caps the monument, as well as two astragals, and Nicolaus Geiger created the bronze Army astragal that represents the carnage of war.

Dedicated in 1902

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was constructed between 1887 and 1902 and formally dedicated on May 15, 1902.

Design and Construction

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is 284 feet, 6 inches tall—only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty. The complete cost of design and construction was nearly $600,000. Building a similar structure today would cost more than $500 million.

Commission for Construction

The commission for the monument’s construction requested architects to submit design proposals. Of the 70 proposals turned in, two finalists were chosen. Then from the two, Bruno Schmitz of Berlin, Prussia (Germany) received the appointment.

Observation Deck

The observation deck can be reached by climbing 331 steps or riding an elevator 90% of the distance and climbing the remaining 31 steps.

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#SoldiersandSailorsMonument

Please join the 500 Festival and the American Legion, honoring our fallen soldiers for the 60th Memorial Service at the Indiana War Memorial on Friday, May 23rd at 12:00pm EST

This is a weekend to remember and honor the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women who perished while serving in the armed forces.

This event is free and open to the public.

500Festival.com/Memorial

#500Festival #MemorialDayService #IndianaWarMemorials

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Please join the 500 Festival and the American Legion, honoring our fallen soldiers for the 60th Memorial Service at the Indiana War Memorial on Friday, May 23rd at 12:00pm EST This is a weekend to remember and honor the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women who perished while serving in the armed forces. This event is free and open to the public. 500Festival.com/Memorial #500Festival #MemorialDayService #IndianaWarMemorials

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument decorated for the 1893 for the Grand Army of the Republic 27th Encampment in Indianapolis. While the Monument is completed in the image, the statues that we are familiar with today had not yet been added to the Monument.

#SoldiersandSailorsMonument
(Photo: Indiana Historical Society)

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The Soldiers and Sailors Monument decorated for the 1893 for the Grand Army of the Republic 27th Encampment in Indianapolis. While the Monument is completed in the image, the statues that we are familiar with today had not yet been added to the Monument. #SoldiersandSailorsMonument (Photo: Indiana Historical Society)

Happy Armed Forces Day! Today we thank the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. The creation of the single day celebrations for all five branches of the US Military began in 1949.

Thank you to all the men and women of all the United States Armed Forces for the sacrifices they have made for our great country.

#IndianaWarMemorials #HappyArmedForcesDay
#Strengthandhonor

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Happy Armed Forces Day! Today we thank the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. The creation of the single day celebrations for all five branches of the US Military began in 1949. Thank you to all the men and women of all the United States Armed Forces for the sacrifices they have made for our great country. #IndianaWarMemorials #HappyArmedForcesDay #Strengthandhonor

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was dedicated on this day in 1902.

The Monument is both a symbol of the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument stands 284 feet, 6 inches tall—only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty.

Today the Soldiers and Sailors Monument commemorates the valor of Indiana’s military men and women in all wars prior to World War I.

#SoldiersandSailorsMonument #Monument Circle #IndianaWarMemorials #VisitIndy

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The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was dedicated on this day in 1902. The Monument is both a symbol of the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument stands 284 feet, 6 inches tall—only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty. Today the Soldiers and Sailors Monument commemorates the valor of Indiana’s military men and women in all wars prior to World War I. #SoldiersandSailorsMonument #Monument Circle #IndianaWarMemorials #VisitIndy

In 1898 the Spanish American War was fought between the United States and the Spanish Empire over control of the Caribbean, most notably the island of Cuba.

Did you know?
The 157th Indiana Infantry was mustered into duty on this day in 1898. Learn more about the 157th Indiana Infantry and the United States’ involvement in the Spanish American War at the Indiana War Memorial Museum. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

Admission is free!

*** The Shrine Room is closed for construction and is slated to reopen mid to late-September, 2025.

#Indianahistory #indianawarmemorials

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In 1898 the Spanish American War was fought between the United States and the Spanish Empire over control of the Caribbean, most notably the island of Cuba. Did you know? The 157th Indiana Infantry was mustered into duty on this day in 1898. Learn more about the 157th Indiana Infantry and the United States’ involvement in the Spanish American War at the Indiana War Memorial Museum. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free! *** The Shrine Room is closed for construction and is slated to reopen mid to late-September, 2025. #Indianahistory #indianawarmemorials

Please join the 500 Festival and the American Legion, honoring our fallen soldiers for the 60th Memorial Service at the Indiana War Memorial on Friday, May 23rd at 12:00pm EST

This is a weekend to remember and honor the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women who perished while serving in the armed forces.

This event is free and open to the public.

500Festival.com/Memorial

#500Festival #MemorialDayService #IndianaWarMemorials

1 0
Open
Please join the 500 Festival and the American Legion, honoring our fallen soldiers for the 60th Memorial Service at the Indiana War Memorial on Friday, May 23rd at 12:00pm EST This is a weekend to remember and honor the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women who perished while serving in the armed forces. This event is free and open to the public. 500Festival.com/Memorial #500Festival #MemorialDayService #IndianaWarMemorials

Hours & Location

HOURS

Hours inside: Please call for hours 317-234-6999
Hours outside: Open from dawn to dusk

ADMISSION

Free

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