Background Information on The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument
The Stratford Civil War Monument, located in Stratford, Connecticut, is a 35-foot tribute to the town’s Civil War veterans and their commitment to preserving the Union during one of the nation’s most challenging periods. Erected in 1889, the monument was designed by the Monumental Bronze Company of Bridgeport, renowned for its use of zinc, an innovative material for monumental art at the time. The monument’s design reflects both the artistic and historical values of the late 19th century, with its impressive classical architectural details, ornate columns, and relief carvings that serve as visual reminders of the sacrifices made during the war.1
The central figure of a standard-bearer, holding a drawn sword, symbolizes vigilance, courage, and unwavering resolve in the face of battle. Surrounding this figure are panels commemorating the major battles of the Civil War, each immortalizing key moments in the conflict and honoring the fallen soldiers from Stratford who fought and died for their country. These detailed panels serve as a tribute to the personal and collective struggles of those who endured the hardships of war, making the monument not only a public memorial but also a personal connection to the community’s history.Today, the Stratford Civil War Monument remains an important landmark in the town, offering a place for reflection on the intersection of art and history and the enduring legacy of the community’s reverence for its heroes. As both a historical artifact and a piece of public art, it continues to inspire admiration and contemplation, reminding future generations of the values of sacrifice, patriotism, and community.2
Today, the Stratford Civil War Monument remains an important landmark in the town, offering a place for reflection on the intersection of art and history and the enduring legacy of the community’s reverence for its heroes. As both a historical artifact and a piece of public art, it continues to inspire admiration and contemplation, reminding future generations of the values of sacrifice, patriotism, and community.
Monumental Bronze Company of Bridgeport
The Monumental Bronze Company, founded in 1875 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was a pioneer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They used zinc, also known as “white bronze,” as a material for cemetery memorials and decorative items. Zinc was resistant to weathering and corrosion, ensuring the intricate details would endure for decades. Over time, the zinc developed a unique bluish-gray patina, adding an understated elegance to their creations. The company offered a wide range of products, from simple gravestones to elaborate sculptures and statues, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Customers could personalize their monuments with motifs, inscriptions, and religious symbols, making each piece a meaningful tribute to the deceased. The company also used replaceable panels, allowing families to update inscriptions, add new details, or correct errors without replacing the entire structure. The company’s use of zinc allowed for intricate and artistic designs that were often more detailed than those possible with stone. Their work extended beyond cemetery memorials to public monuments, architectural details, and decorative items.3
The Monumental Bronze Company was a business model that combined artistry and practicality, offering high-quality, customized monuments at a fraction of the cost of traditional materials like granite or marble. The company’s success was attributed to its use of zinc, or “white bronze,” which was less expensive than natural stone but was exceptionally durable and adaptable. However, changing tastes and trends in the early 20th century led to a decline in the popularity of zinc memorials. The company struggled to compete with traditional granite and marble, which were associated with prestige and permanence. The Great Depression and economic challenges of the 1930s further strained the company, ultimately leading to its closure. Today, the surviving zinc monuments are recognized as historical artifacts, celebrated for their innovative use of materials and artistic vision. They are admired for their unique bluish-gray patina and intricate craftsmanship, and serve as reminders of a period when industrial innovation and artistic expression merged to create enduring tributes to those who came before.4
Writings on The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument
North Face
The north face of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument highlights the battles of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Fort Wagner, South Carolina, both pivotal moments in the Civil War. Above the battle names, the pediment bears the year “1812”. A decorative panel adds to the artistic grandeur, featuring an eagle, the U.S. shield, flags, a drum, and crossed cannons, symbolizing patriotism and the sacrifices of those who served.
East Face
The east face of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument commemorates the battles of Chancellorsville and the Wilderness, two significant engagements fought in Virginia during the Civil War. A central panel proudly declares, “Erected by the Stratford Veteran Association and its friends, October 3rd, 1889. The Union must and shall be preserved,” reflecting the dedication and patriotic spirit of the community. Above the panel, the year “1847” is inscribed.
South Face
The south face of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument features the battles of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and Olustee, Florida, key engagements in the Civil War’s southern theater. The pediment above bears the dates “1861-5,” marking the years of the conflict.
West Face
The west face of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument stands as a powerful tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the Union. Prominently displayed are the names of 21 residents who perished in the Civil War and whose remains were left in the South, alongside the battles of Gettysburg and Antietam, two pivotal engagements of the war. A heartfelt dedication proclaims, “Dedicated to the memory of those who fought for liberty and saved the Union.” Beneath this, an evocative poem reflects the nation’s enduring sorrow and gratitude: “Yet loved ones have fallen, and still where they sleep, a sorrowing nation shall silently weep, and spring’s brightest flowers with gratitude strew o’er those who once cherished the red, white and blue.” Above the inscriptions, the pediment bears the date “1776,” connecting the sacrifices of the Civil War to the founding ideals of the nation.
Public Opinion
1889
Stratford residents expressed pride and reverence for the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, a tribute to their sons who fought in war. The Veterans’ Association raised over $2,600 through various efforts, including a successful veterans’ fair, demonstrating the town’s unity and responsibility towards commemorating their heroes. The monument was also seen as a significant addition to Stratford’s history, especially during the town’s 250th-anniversary celebration. Residents prepared for the event with grand displays, including flags, bunting, Japanese lanterns, and historical scene tableaux. The level of preparation and anticipation of thousands of visitors underscored the importance placed on both the celebration and the monument. The town’s commitment to honoring its heroes is evident in the overwhelming support and enthusiasm for the project.5 This collective pride in their town’s heritage and the monument is clear in the following description:
All the arrangements have been perfected for the celebration to-morrow of the 250th anniversary of the settlement of the town of Stratford and the dedication of a soldiers’ and sailors’ monument which has just been erected on Academy Hill.6
This statement captures not only the meticulous effort that went into the preparations but also the significance of the monument in honoring Stratford’s historical legacy. Stratford’s residents viewed the monument as a symbol of community pride and remembrance, demonstrating respect for their history and those who served, and ensuring future generations remember the sacrifices made for their town and country.
~ 50 years later
Stratford residents held deep respect for the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, which was erected during the town’s 250th anniversary celebration. The monument, which symbolized civic pride and historical significance, was mistreated in the years following its dedication. The first incident involved the looting of a lead box, resulting in the theft of valuable historical documents and coins commemorating the monument’s 1889 dedication. This act highlighted a lack of reverence for the sacrifices the monument honored and left residents feeling disheartened.7
By 1939, vandalism had become a recurring issue, with the monument being defaced multiple times with chalk and other substances. The community’s indignation was evident, and some suggested punitive measures like corporal punishment for those caught defacing the monument. Others believed education could instill a sense of appreciation and respect among the town’s youth. Calls for a “campaign of appreciation” through schools, churches, and civic organizations reflected a broader hope to reconnect younger generations with the values the monument represents.8
Overall, the residents’ feelings toward the monument have evolved from pride and celebration to concern and frustration. While they continue to value the monument as a symbol of the town’s history and patriotism, the repeated acts of vandalism have revealed a challenge in preserving both the physical monument and its significance for future generations.
Current
Stratford residents have a deep emotional connection to the Civil War monument on Academy Hill, viewing it as a vital symbol of the town’s heritage and collective identity. The monument represents the memory of Stratford’s fallen soldiers and a link to the town’s past, and its emotional and symbolic importance to the community is evident in its efforts to fundraise for its restoration. In the 1980s, when the statue began to tilt and cracks threatened its stability, residents united to raise the necessary $125,000 through raffles, charity events, and grassroots efforts. Catherine Clinton Lawrence, a Stratfordite, attributed the cause to her great-grandfather, who was one of the Civil War veterans who helped erect the statue.9 10
However, the dedication to the monument has often been coupled with frustration over delays in repairs and maintenance. Despite the significance of the structure, the town’s attempts to address its deterioration have sometimes stalled. Despite these challenges, the community’s resolve remains steadfast, with continued calls for repairs and past restoration efforts reflecting a collective belief that the monument is worth preserving, not just as a tribute to Civil War heroes but as a lasting symbol of Stratford’s shared history and resilience.
Sources
- Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, Stratford « CT Monuments.net. ctmonuments.net/2009/10/soldiers%E2%80%99-and-sailors%E2%80%99-monument-stratford. ↩︎
- CHS: Civil War Monuments of Connecticut: Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, Stratford. chs.org/finding_aides/ransom/117.htm. ↩︎
- Our True Sons. web.archive.org/web/20101115033554/http://www.civilwarmonument.org/monumental_bronze.htm. ↩︎
- CHS: Civil War Monuments of Connecticut: Suppliers and Materials. chs.org/finding_aides/ransom/overview3.htm#monumentalbronze. ↩︎
- A.A. Bensel. The Newtown Bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, April 12, 1889, Image 3. 12 Apr. 1889, chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn92051487/1889-04-12/ed-1/seq-3. ↩︎
- None. Waterbury Evening Democrat. [Volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, October 02, 1889, Image 1. 2 Oct. 1889, chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn94053256/1889-10-02/ed-1/seq-1. ↩︎
- Waterbury Democrat. The Waterbury Democrat. [Volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, August 12, 1935, Image 9. 12 Aug. 1935, chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82014085/1935-08-12/ed-1/seq-9. ↩︎
- —. The Waterbury Democrat. [Volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, June 21, 1939, Image 6. 21 June 1939, chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82014085/1939-06-21/ed-1/seq-6. ↩︎
- “Stratford Restores Its Civil War Statue (New York Times).” C. ROUSSEL INC., www.rousselartconservation.com/stratford-restores-its-civil-war-statue–ny-times.html. ↩︎
- Burgeson, John. “Cracks in Stratford Civil War Monument Worrisome.” Connecticut Post, 4 Nov. 2014, www.ctpost.com/local/article/Cracks-in-Stratford-Civil-War-Monument-worrisome-5867260.php. ↩︎
