The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Indianapolis is an iconic symbol of Indiana, standing at 284 and a half feet tall. It was built to commemorate those who served in the War of Independence, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Border War, and the Spanish-American War. The Indiana World War Memorial and Museum is a 30,000-square-foot museum that showcases American military history from the Revolutionary War to the present. It is open Wednesday through Sunday at 9 a.m.The University Park was used as a place to train Union troops during the Civil War.
After the war ended, Indianapolis came together and created a fund to convert the land into the park it is today. The Confederacy monument in Garfield Park in Indianapolis sparked calls to move it, after a man was arrested and accused of disfiguring it. The monument was meant to honor 1,616 Americans who died, many of them from disease, starvation, and exposure in an Indianapolis prisoner-of-war camp. Supporters say it must remain and be restored. There are many public statues and works of art in Indianapolis and Indiana that may be considered controversial.
One example is the statue of Thomas Jefferson in Warder Park in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Adjacent to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis is a statue of William Henry Harrison, the nation's ninth president. In addition to these monuments, there are many other statues throughout Indianapolis and Indiana that are worth exploring. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis is home to a bronze statue of President Harrison. The Indiana Statehouse also has several statues honoring prominent figures from Indiana's history.
In addition, there are numerous sculptures located throughout downtown Indianapolis that are worth checking out. Exploring these statues can be a great way to learn more about Indiana's history and culture. Whether you're visiting Indianapolis or just passing through, taking some time to explore these monuments can be a great way to get a better understanding of Indiana's past.
