ANSWER THE CALL - SAVE OUR SOLDIER!

Background

Just off Woodstock Street in the heart of Crystal Lake stood a faithful Union Soldier, cast in zinc, which had been steadfastly on guard for nearly 120 years.  He has performed the mission assigned to him on September 11, 1889 when, according to the plaque on his base, he was "ERECTED BY GRATEFUL CITIZENS, IN HONOR OF THE BRAVE DEFENDERS OF OUR COUNTRY."  

While this monument was originally intended to pay tribute to veterans of the Civil War, it has also served as a reminder of selfless sacrifice and heroism for subsequent generations.  Each year on Memorial Day, the citizens of Crystal Lake have marched together and gathered at the foot of this monument to pay tribute to those who have served through many different wars and conflicts to uphold the ideals of our nation.  For the current generation to continue this time honored tradition, our challenge is to restore and preserve this memorial now for generations to come.

Monument Facts

• Manufactured by American Bronze Company, Chicago, IL, a subsidiary of Monumental Bronze Company, Bridgeport, CT.
• Statue and base cast in zinc (originally marketed as "white bronze")
• Unveiled September 11, 1889 in accordance with the ceremonies of the Grand Army of the Republic.
• The monument is 18-1/2 feet tall
• The names of four major Civil War battles are inscribed: Gettysburg, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Stone River
• The names of 379 area veterans are inscribed on the memorial, including veterans who survived the Civil War, those killed in action, those who died in Andersonville Prison, those who died while in the service, and surviving area veterans of the War of 1812.