Iowa Memorial

A frontal view of the Iowa Memorial.

NPS / Brewer

Quick Facts

Location:

Vicksburg National Military Park

The final state monument seen in our park commemorates the service of 38 infantry units, 3 artillery units, and three cavalry units from the State of Iowa who served in the Vicksburg Campaign. The Greek-Doric, peristyle monument was dedicated in 1906 and consists of a semi-ellipse curve with six bronze, high-relief sculptures depicting engagements of the Vicksburg Campaign. The artist, Henry Hudson Kitson, created several artworks you have seen on your tour today.

The memorial features six bronze relief plaques, each denoting a specific battle in the Vicksburg Campaign. The plaques are as follows: Iowa at Grand Gulf, Iowa at Port Gibson, Iowa at Jackson, Iowa at Champion Hill, Iowa at Big Black River Bridge, and Iowa Assault on Vicksburg, May 22, 1863. To get a better understanding of the emotion and romanticism present within the works, take a moment to observe the artwork up close and in greater detail. Pay special attention to the flag and the eagle that sits atop its staff as it journeys with the Iowans through the campaign.

Perhaps the most striking component of the Iowa Memorial is its stand-alone color-bearer. Sculpted by Kitson and his wife Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson, the color bearer was completed and installed in 1912. Designed after Theo’s 1907 work, “The Standard Bearer,” dedicated to the 124^th New York Infantry, this color bearer sits mounted atop his stallion. Holding high the United States flag, his chest lifted, he gives an air of confidence, bravery, and poise as he leads his fellow Iowans into battle. The eagle atop the flagstaff reflects his posture and attitude as it symbolizes strength, courage, power, and freedom. See if you can spot the eagle within the six relief plaques.

Do you notice anything symbolic in its positioning?   

• Iowa Memorial

  
  

  A 2-minute and 9-second audio track describing the Iowa Memorial in Vicksburg National Military Park.

  Date created:

  12/20/2022

  Audio Transcript

  The final state monument seen in our park commemorates the service of 38 infantry units, 3 artillery units, and three cavalry units from the State of Iowa who served in the Vicksburg Campaign. The Greek-Doric, peristyle monument was dedicated in 1906 and consists of a semi-ellipse curve with six bronze, high-relief sculptures depicting engagements of the Vicksburg Campaign. The artist, Henry Hudson Kitson, created several artworks you have seen on your tour today.

  The memorial features six bronze relief plaques, each denoting a specific battle in the Vicksburg Campaign. The plaques are as follows: Iowa at Grand Gulf, Iowa at Port Gibson, Iowa at Jackson, Iowa at Champion Hill, Iowa at Big Black River Bridge, and Iowa Assault on Vicksburg, May 22, 1863. To get a better understanding of the emotion and romanticism present within the works, take a moment to observe the artwork up close and in greater detail. Pay special attention to the flag and the eagle that sits atop its staff as it journeys with the Iowans through the campaign.

  Perhaps the most striking component of the Iowa Memorial is its stand-alone color-bearer. Sculpted by Kitson and his wife Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson, the color bearer was completed and installed in 1912. Designed after Theo’s 1907 work, “The Standard Bearer,” dedicated to the 124th New York Infantry, this color bearer sits mounted atop his stallion. Holding high the United States flag, his chest lifted, he gives an air of confidence, bravery, and poise as he leads his fellow Iowans into battle. The eagle atop the flagstaff reflects his posture and attitude as it symbolizes strength, courage, power, and freedom. See if you can spot the eagle within the six relief plaques. Do you notice anything symbolic in its positioning?