Standing as the largest and most recognized monument on the battlefield, the Illinois Memorial is visible from many points in the park.
An exemplary illustration of the American Renaissance, this grand domed temple is modeled after the Roman Pantheon. The Pantheon was built as a temple to the gods of Ancient Rome, and by the 18th century, the generic term pantheon was used to describe a building that honored the illustrious dead. In a similar way, the Illinois Memorial was built to honor and remember all Illinoisans who served throughout the Vicksburg Campaign. The architect, Major William LeBaron Jenney – General Ulysses S. Grant’s Chief Engineer during the siege -- commented on this design choice, stating, “In designing the memorial, the decision was made to construct not only a grand and imposing commemorative structure worthy of the State of Illinois, but a temple of fame as well, within the walls of which will be preserved in enduring bronze and stone the name of every soldier from Illinois who participated in that memorable and decisive campaign and siege." Further, with the idea of the Renaissance being a rebirth, the obvious use of renaissance design concepts could lend itself to the interpretation of the rebirth of a nation after a bloody civil war.
While the facade contains many artistic and architectural details, including the faces of President Abraham Lincoln, Illinois Governor Richard Yates, and Union General Ulysses S. Grant as well as a golden eagle adorning the top, there are no devices indicative of war. This requirement was set by the Illinois Commission that authorized the memorial’s placement in the park.
Within the tympanum are seen three female figures carved in marble. These monumental maidens are, from left to right, Pax the Roman goddess of peace, Clio the Roman goddess of history, and Flora, the Roman goddess of flowering plants. Pax and Flora symbolize the North and the South, respectively. They each lean in towards Clio as they recall the heroism of their soldiers while Clio records their deed for the ages.
There are 47 steps leading up to the temple floor, symbolizing the 47 days of the Siege of Vicksburg. The inscription on the exterior of the dome references President Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, in which he stated, “With Malice Toward None, With Charity for All.” Followed by that are words from Grant’s 1868 speech at the Republican National Convention, “Let Us Have Peace.” Around the temple’s interior, 60 bronze tablets bear the names of the 36,325 soldiers from the State of Illinois who served in the Vicksburg Campaign.
This memorial was completed in 1906 and formally dedicated on October 26, 1906.
