Soldiers and Sailors Monument | New London

Information

Landmark: Soldiers and Sailors Monument
City: New London
Country: USA Connecticut
Continent: North America

Soldiers and Sailors Monument, New London, USA Connecticut, North America

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a memorial structure located in New London, Connecticut, USA.

It commemorates the Union soldiers and sailors who served during the American Civil War.

Visual Characteristics

The monument is an obelisk constructed from granite. It stands approximately 50 feet (15 meters) in height. The base is square, with four bronze plaques on each side depicting scenes from the Civil War. A bronze statue of a Union soldier stands at the apex of the obelisk.

Location & Access Logistics

The monument is situated in Monument Park, at the intersection of State Street and Truman Street in downtown New London. It is approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from the New London train station. Parking is available in nearby municipal lots and on-street metered parking. Bus routes serving downtown New London stop within a 2-block radius.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the monument began in 1887 and was completed in 1890. It was designed by architect Henry Bacon and sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The monument was erected to honor the local men who fought for the Union cause.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the bronze relief panels detailing military engagements. The monument's base provides a vantage point for viewing the surrounding park. Photography of the architectural details and the soldier statue is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Monument Park offers benches for seating. Restrooms are located in the adjacent municipal building. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this urban area. No food vendors are permanently stationed at the monument, but several restaurants and cafes are within a 5-minute walk.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting on the bronze elements, visit in the late morning or late afternoon. The monument is accessible year-round during daylight hours. No specific tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the soldier statue was modeled after a prominent New London resident who served in the Civil War, though this has not been definitively verified.