Winnebago County War Memorial
Encyclopedia
Memorial Hall, also known as Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and the Winnebago County War Memorial, is located in Rockford, Illinois
. It was built from 1901 to 1903, and originally dedicated to those who served in the Civil War
and the Spanish American War. It is said to be the first of its kind in the United States. It is located on the west side of Rockford, one block from the Rock River, across the street from the Rockford Public Library, formerly the Carnegie Library
. Although it was initially conceived to honor just those from Winnebago County, Illinois
who served in the American Civil War, supporters added a listing of county Spanish-American War
veterans before building was begun. Other war veterans were later memorialized inside and outside the Hall. The War Memorial is one of the few war memorials that is not a monument. The building is administered by the Winnebago County Board through the Memorial Hall Board of Trustees, and was dedicated on June 3, 1903 by President
Theodore Roosevelt
.
and the Veterans of Foreign Wars
are located in the basement. All three floors are serviced by an elevator. On the building's east lawn sits a Howitzer
and a memorial plaque for the Blue Star Highway. A large flagpole graces the front entrance and a smaller flag pole is found in the rear.
The interior was elaborately painted with symbols and names associated with the Grand Army of the Republic
and the Civil War. In the main hall, along the top of the walls, are listed the names of over 20 battles that involved citizens from Winnebago County.
. In March 1877 John D. Jackson made a proposal to the Winnebago County Board seeking $25,000 for the construction of a soldier’s monument.
In 1900 the question of a Memorial Hall was put to voters of Winnebago County; the vote ended in favor of a memorial, at 6,021 to 2,757. In December of that year, Thomas G. Lawler, commander of the Garrett L. Nevius Post #1 of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), presented a petition with signatures from than 200 veterans requesting the county build a Memorial Hall. The petition asked that the hall not only act as a memorial for veterans of the county but also be used for other county purposes.
Construction on the Greek revival style War Memorial began in early 1901. The facades were built with Indiana or Bedford limestone quarried from the Bedford, Indiana
quarry. Construction of Memorial Hall was completed in 18 months for a total cost of $59,136.
s to Memorial Hall. Entering from the east side of the building, facing the Carnegie Library and the Rock River, Roosevelt took a moment to inspect and admire the interior of the building before exiting to deliver his dedication speech.
The president told his listeners that, "No more fitting memorial could be erected to the memory of the men who fought, than a hall such as this - a hall beautiful because of the uses to which it is consecrated." Afterward. he raised a flag which had been flown on the Milwaukee-class vessel USS Winnebago
during the Civil War.
With the ceremony concluded, the presidential party returned to their carriages and took a roundabout way back to the train to wave and greet children that were lining the streets before departing Rockford 51 minutes after his arrival. Roosevelt returned to Rockford two more times; once on April 6, 1912 and again on September 26, 1917, when he addressed the troops at nearby Camp Grant
during World War I
.
in time for the United States Bicentennial
.
In 1988 a four year, $1.5 million restoration project began in response to the parking garage attempt and the fact the building had started to deteriorate due to lack of maintenance. In 1973 a garden dedicated to the veterans of the Vietnam War
was dedicated and in 1966 a large stone marker commemorating the Hall’s dedication was placed on the west side of the building in front of the entrance.
Exhibits include the 18 bronze plaques containing the names of those from Winnebago County who fought and died in the Civil War, memorabilia extending from the Revolutionary War to the current Iraq War. Some unique articles on display include a World War One Chauchat light machine gun, a commemorative plaque cast of metal from the wreck of the USS Maine
, items from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War on display with other artifacts from 20th & 21st century wars, as well as several artifacts handled and used by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Elaborate paintings were initially part of the interior however some have been covered up or painted over or were irreparablly lost due to the lack of maintenance and pollution. In November 2001 the Memorial Hall Board of Trustees was formed to oversee the Hall, its maintenance and its exhibits as well as to author a report on future operations. In January 2005 Memorial Hall was officially reopened to the public for guided tours. Since then many veterans, political and military-associated groups have taken advantage of the facilities.
Rockford, Illinois
Rockford is a mid-sized city located on both banks of the Rock River in far northern Illinois. Often referred to as "The Forest City", Rockford is the county seat of Winnebago County, Illinois, USA. As reported in the 2010 U.S. census, the city was home to 152,871 people, the third most populated...
. It was built from 1901 to 1903, and originally dedicated to those who served in the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
and the Spanish American War. It is said to be the first of its kind in the United States. It is located on the west side of Rockford, one block from the Rock River, across the street from the Rockford Public Library, formerly the Carnegie Library
Carnegie Library
Carnegie Library, Carnegie Public Library, Carnegie Free Library, Carnegie Free Public Library, Andrew Carnegie Library, Andrew Carnegie Free Library or Carnegie Library Building may refer to any of the following Carnegie libraries:- California :*Carnegie Library , listed on the National Register...
. Although it was initially conceived to honor just those from Winnebago County, Illinois
Winnebago County, Illinois
Winnebago County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 295,266, which is an increase of 6.1% from 278,418 in 2000...
who served in the American Civil War, supporters added a listing of county Spanish-American War
Spanish-American War
The Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively the result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence...
veterans before building was begun. Other war veterans were later memorialized inside and outside the Hall. The War Memorial is one of the few war memorials that is not a monument. The building is administered by the Winnebago County Board through the Memorial Hall Board of Trustees, and was dedicated on June 3, 1903 by President
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States . He is noted for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, and his leadership of the Progressive Movement, as well as his "cowboy" persona and robust masculinity...
.
Description
The War Memorial is a two story building with a basement. The Hall's west facade (front) and the east side facade are identical, except for the words 'Memorial Hall' and the year '1902' engraved on front of the building. The first floor functions as a museum and has rooms lined with 18 plaques containing the names of area individuals who served with the Union during the American Civil War. The plaques also list the names of those who died in the war. The second floor has an auditorium with a stage, and the basement has space for offices and storage. Offices for the Disabled American VeteransDisabled American Veterans
The Disabled American Veterans, or DAV, is an organization for disabled veterans that helps them and their families through various means. It currently has over 1.2 million members...
and the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Veterans of Foreign Wars
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a congressionally chartered war veterans organization in the United States. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, VFW currently has 1.5 million members belonging to 7,644 posts, and is the largest American organization of combat...
are located in the basement. All three floors are serviced by an elevator. On the building's east lawn sits a Howitzer
Howitzer
A howitzer is a type of artillery piece characterized by a relatively short barrel and the use of comparatively small propellant charges to propel projectiles at relatively high trajectories, with a steep angle of descent...
and a memorial plaque for the Blue Star Highway. A large flagpole graces the front entrance and a smaller flag pole is found in the rear.
The interior was elaborately painted with symbols and names associated with the Grand Army of the Republic
Grand Army of the Republic
The Grand Army of the Republic was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army, US Navy, US Marines and US Revenue Cutter Service who served in the American Civil War. Founded in 1866 in Decatur, Illinois, it was dissolved in 1956 when its last member died...
and the Civil War. In the main hall, along the top of the walls, are listed the names of over 20 battles that involved citizens from Winnebago County.
Construction
The idea of a war memorial in Winnebago County was brought up as early as 1866 when W.P. Kinney, minister of the Second Congregational Church, proposed some sort of monument to honor the memory of the 2,109 soldiers and sailors from Winnebago County that served in the American Civil WarAmerican Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. In March 1877 John D. Jackson made a proposal to the Winnebago County Board seeking $25,000 for the construction of a soldier’s monument.
In 1900 the question of a Memorial Hall was put to voters of Winnebago County; the vote ended in favor of a memorial, at 6,021 to 2,757. In December of that year, Thomas G. Lawler, commander of the Garrett L. Nevius Post #1 of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), presented a petition with signatures from than 200 veterans requesting the county build a Memorial Hall. The petition asked that the hall not only act as a memorial for veterans of the county but also be used for other county purposes.
Construction on the Greek revival style War Memorial began in early 1901. The facades were built with Indiana or Bedford limestone quarried from the Bedford, Indiana
Bedford, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,768 people, 6,054 households, and 3,644 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,157.1 people per square mile . There were 6,618 housing units at an average density of 556.2 per square mile...
quarry. Construction of Memorial Hall was completed in 18 months for a total cost of $59,136.
Dedication
In February 1903, Mr. J.B. Whitehead, representing the hall and the County Board, extended an invitation to dedicate the building to the sitting President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. On June 3 the president arrived in Rockford via train, which was met by a reception committee of leading citizens from Winnebago County and Rockford. He and his party were transported by open carriageCarriage
A carriage is a wheeled vehicle for people, usually horse-drawn; litters and sedan chairs are excluded, since they are wheelless vehicles. The carriage is especially designed for private passenger use and for comfort or elegance, though some are also used to transport goods. It may be light,...
s to Memorial Hall. Entering from the east side of the building, facing the Carnegie Library and the Rock River, Roosevelt took a moment to inspect and admire the interior of the building before exiting to deliver his dedication speech.
The president told his listeners that, "No more fitting memorial could be erected to the memory of the men who fought, than a hall such as this - a hall beautiful because of the uses to which it is consecrated." Afterward. he raised a flag which had been flown on the Milwaukee-class vessel USS Winnebago
USS Winnebago (1863)
USS Winnebago was a Milwaukee-class double-turret monitor, named for the Winnebago tribe of Siouan Indians that aided the US government during the Black Hawk War of 1832....
during the Civil War.
With the ceremony concluded, the presidential party returned to their carriages and took a roundabout way back to the train to wave and greet children that were lining the streets before departing Rockford 51 minutes after his arrival. Roosevelt returned to Rockford two more times; once on April 6, 1912 and again on September 26, 1917, when he addressed the troops at nearby Camp Grant
Camp Grant (Illinois)
For other uses see Camp Grant.Camp Grant was a U.S. Army facility located in the southern outskirts of Rockford, Illinois named in honor of General Ulysses S. Grant...
during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
.
Hall usage
On the same day that Roosevelt dedicated Memorial Hall, the Nevius Post #1 of the GAR held its first meeting in the building. Over the hundred plus years of its existence, Memorial Hall has hosted a total of over 60 different veterans or associated military groups for various events and meetings. The Hall was threatened with demolition in the 1960s when the County Board proposed to demolish the hall in favor of building a parking ramp in order to extend the parking lot located next to it. In the 1980s, to help offset the costs of its upkeep, the Winnebago County Board rented the first floor offices to the Rockford Convention and Visitor's Bureau until early 2004. The Hall's future was further assured when in 1974 the building was named an Illinois Historical Landmark. In 1976, Memorial Hall was placed on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in time for the United States Bicentennial
United States Bicentennial
The United States Bicentennial was a series of celebrations and observances during the mid-1970s that paid tribute to the historical events leading up to the creation of the United States as an independent republic...
.
In 1988 a four year, $1.5 million restoration project began in response to the parking garage attempt and the fact the building had started to deteriorate due to lack of maintenance. In 1973 a garden dedicated to the veterans of the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
was dedicated and in 1966 a large stone marker commemorating the Hall’s dedication was placed on the west side of the building in front of the entrance.
Exhibits include the 18 bronze plaques containing the names of those from Winnebago County who fought and died in the Civil War, memorabilia extending from the Revolutionary War to the current Iraq War. Some unique articles on display include a World War One Chauchat light machine gun, a commemorative plaque cast of metal from the wreck of the USS Maine
USS Maine (ACR-1)
USS Maine was the United States Navy's second commissioned pre-dreadnought battleship, although she was originally classified as an armored cruiser. She is best known for her catastrophic loss in Havana harbor. Maine had been sent to Havana, Cuba to protect U.S. interests during the Cuban revolt...
, items from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War on display with other artifacts from 20th & 21st century wars, as well as several artifacts handled and used by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Elaborate paintings were initially part of the interior however some have been covered up or painted over or were irreparablly lost due to the lack of maintenance and pollution. In November 2001 the Memorial Hall Board of Trustees was formed to oversee the Hall, its maintenance and its exhibits as well as to author a report on future operations. In January 2005 Memorial Hall was officially reopened to the public for guided tours. Since then many veterans, political and military-associated groups have taken advantage of the facilities.
100th Anniversary
The 100th Anniversary of the dedication of the War Memorial was celebrated in 2003. An invitation was sent to President George W. Bush. He declined, but sent a congratulatory letter which was converted into a plaque, now displayed along with the Roosevelt dedication remarks next to the east(rear) entrance. The celebration ceremonies included a Theodore Roosevelt imitator who gave the same speech that President Roosevelt gave at the original dedication.See also
- Edward F. W. EllisEdward F. W. EllisEdward Fortescue Warrington Ellis, Sr. was a politician, lawyer and American Civil War officer who died while leading his unit on the first day of the Battle of Shiloh...
- Rockford, IllinoisRockford, IllinoisRockford is a mid-sized city located on both banks of the Rock River in far northern Illinois. Often referred to as "The Forest City", Rockford is the county seat of Winnebago County, Illinois, USA. As reported in the 2010 U.S. census, the city was home to 152,871 people, the third most populated...
- Battle of ShilohBattle of ShilohThe Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, was a major battle in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, fought April 6–7, 1862, in southwestern Tennessee. A Union army under Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant had moved via the Tennessee River deep into Tennessee and...
- Shiloh National Military ParkShiloh National Military ParkShiloh National Military Park preserves the American Civil War Shiloh and Corinth battlefields. The main section of the park is in the unincorporated town of Shiloh, about nine miles south of Savannah, Tennessee, with an additional area located in the city of Corinth, Mississippi, 23 miles ...