Efforts to restore a run-down Civil War monument are moving ahead, with the Village of Carbon Cliff becoming the first big donor.
"Just this week on Tuesday, I spoke to the Village President and he and Village Board have donated $5,000 to this project," said Rock Island County Sheriff's Lt. Ron Erickson on Friday, February 20.
Erickson is enlisting the help of the Rock Island County Historical Society and the Civil War Roundtable-Quad Cities Chapter to help spread awareness about the project and with fundraising.
"I would like to challenge all municipalities, to step up, and help respect this great piece of history," Lt. Erickson said.
The soldier's face is worn, his rifle broken, and the names of 450 Civil War veterans from Rock Island County, barely visible anymore.
The statue was created by Chicago sculptor Leonard Volk in 1869, an artist notable for making one of only two life masks of Abraham Lincoln.
"My motivation is to give back to the community to preserve the memories of the people who fought in the Civil War so future generations can enjoy this," said Lt. Erickson.
The next informational meeting open to the public is set for Wednesday, February 25th at 3 p.m. at the downtown branch of the Rock Island County Library.
To make a tax-deductible donation, make checks payable to the Rock Island County Historical Society.
C/O Civil War Soldier's Monument Restoration Project
P.O. Box 3384
Rock Island, IL 6120