Missouri Memorial

A frontal view of the Missouri monument.

NPS / Brewer

Quick Facts

Location:

Vicksburg National Military Park

The familiar phrase “brother vs. brother” as is so often spoken in discussion of the Civil War rings true here at the Missouri Monument. This red granite, Roman Composite design stands atop Green’s Redan, a site where soldiers from Missouri serving in both armies truly personified this fratricidal Civil War. This moment in history is forever immortalized within the two bronze relief plaques seen on the monument’s façade. Sculpted by artist Victor S. Holm, the scene at left titled “The Attack,” depicts Union soldiers in a ferocious charge, and at right is the aptly named, “The Defense,” which depicts Confederate soldiers defending against the attack.

Seen at center, perched atop the bow of a ship, representative of the ship of state as it successfully plies its way through the troubled waters of the Civil War, is “The Spirit of the Republic.” This figure is based on Nike, the Hellenistic Greek goddess of victory who was closely associated with the Grecian goddess Athena. This version of Nike was heavily inspired by the famous 190 B.C. work “Nike of Samothrace” now on display at the Louvre in Paris. The monument features many other artistic motifs synonymous with the American Renaissance. As you get out a take a closer look, see if you can spot the ram’s head and dolphins.

The Missouri Monument was dedicated during the 1917 Peace Jubilee which was held here at Vicksburg National Military Park, making it a true artistic representation of reconciliation. At its dedication, Colonel Leo Raisseur noted the monument’s purpose, “to commemorate and perpetuate the heroic services, the unselfish devotion to duty, and the exalted patriotism of the Missouri Soldiers, Union and Confederate, who were engaged in the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg.”

• Missouri Memorial

  
  

  A 2-minute and 8-second audio track describing the Missouri Memorial in Vicksburg National Military Park.

  Date created:

  12/20/2022

  Audio Transcript

  The familiar phrase “brother vs. brother” as is so often spoken in discussion of the Civil War rings true here at the Missouri Monument. This red granite, Roman Composite design stands atop Green’s Redan, a site where soldiers from Missouri serving in both armies truly personified this fratricidal Civil War. This moment in history is forever immortalized within the two bronze relief plaques seen on the monument’s façade. Sculpted by artist Victor S. Holm, the scene at left titled “The Attack,” depicts Union soldiers in a ferocious charge, and at right is the aptly named, “The Defense,” which depicts Confederate soldiers defending against the attack.

  Seen at center, perched atop the bow of a ship, representative of the ship of state as it successfully plies its way through the troubled waters of the Civil War, is “The Spirit of the Republic.” This figure is based on Nike, the Hellenistic Greek goddess of victory who was closely associated with the Grecian goddess Athena. This version of Nike was heavily inspired by the famous 190 B.C. work “Nike of Samothrace” now on display at the Louvre in Paris. The monument features many other artistic motifs synonymous with the American Renaissance. As you get out a take a closer look, see if you can spot the ram’s head and dolphins.

  The Missouri Monument was dedicated during the 1917 Peace Jubilee which was held here at Vicksburg National Military Park, making it a true artistic representation of reconciliation. At its dedication, Colonel Leo Raisseur noted the monument’s purpose, “to commemorate and perpetuate the heroic services, the unselfish devotion to duty, and the exalted patriotism of the Missouri Soldiers, Union and Confederate, who were engaged in the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg.”