Groups in the community have been working to raise money to restore the run-down Civil War Soldiers’ Monument in Rock Island County.
An Augustana sorority, Delta Chi Theta, teamed up with the Rock Island County Civil War Soldier’s Monument Restoration Project to help raise money get the monument back to the way it once was by holding a car wash Saturday, September 19, 2015.
The monument, a 1,300-pound marble statue stands outside the Rock Island County Courthouse showing the names of 450 Civil War veterans from Rock Island County. The problem is that in 2014, the monument nearly toppled over, the veterans’ names are barely visible anymore, and the soldier that once adorned the top was forced to be taken down by a crane. The soldier, now next to the monument has a worn face and a broken rifle.
In February of 2015 a committee was formed to help restore the monument. This came after a passerby noticed the soldier was close to toppling over.
According to a pamphlet of information organized by the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office, the restoration project has five phases. First, they planned to accept bids for the repair and restoration of the monument (the project was an estimated $100,000). Second, to get the monument back to “its original glory.” Third, to research and document the names of each soldier to be displayed on bronze plaques. Fourth, strip and powder coat the Gettysburg Address plate, and replace the backing with granite. And lastly, to hold a re-dedication ceremony.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, you can send it to: C/O Civil War Soldier’s Monument Restoration Project, P.O. Box 3384, Rock Island, IL 6120.
Make checks payable to the Rock Island County Historical Society.
