Stephenson Memorial (Grand Army of the Republic)

Stephenson Memorial (Grand Army of the Republic)

NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Public Transit

The Grand Army of the Republic was a veterans group of nearly half a million men. It was also the first veterans group in the United States. This memorial honors the veterans who were honorably discharged from the US military at the end of the American Civil War, as well as to the founder of the GAR, Benjamin Stephenson. The memorial was dedicated in 1909.

Inscriptions

Front bas relief
FRATERNITY
Obelisk, bottom
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
ORGANIZED AT DECATUR ILLINOIS, APRIL 6, 1866.
BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN STEPHENSON M.D.
Obelisk, top
1861 - 1865
Bas relief, northeast side
CHARITY
THE GREATEST OF THESE IS CHARITY
Bas relief, southeast side
LOYALTY
WHO KNOW NO GLORY BUT HIS COUNTRY'S GOOD
Obelisk, bottom edge
RANKIN KELLOGG AND CRANE
ARCHITECTS
J. MASSEY RHIND
SCULPTOR