Boston's most elaborate memorial, this work serves as the City's tribute to its citizens who fought on land and sea during the Civil War. Its design incorporates a number of abstract symbols. For example, four figures at the base of the column symbolize the cardinal directions of North, South, East, and West. Crowning the column is an allegorical female figure representing the Genius of America. Lastly, four bronze plaques located on the base show troops departing to and returning from war, while the other two pay tribute to the Navy and the Boston Sanitation Commission. Boston sculptor Martin Milmore created the monument, and Harvard president Charles W. Eliot penned the featured inscription. In honoring ordinary soldiers and sailors, rather than military leaders, this work set an important precedent adopted by the designers of subsequent memorials.
Originally, the sculpture also included four bronze figures, each placed at a corner of the monument's base and representing Peace, the Sailor, the Muse of History, and the Soldier. These figures are in need of repair and were removed to prevent further deterioration. The memorial, among many others, is up for adoption in the Boston Art Commission's Adopt-A-Statue program, which raises the funds needed to repair and maintain works of public art. Courtesy of Boston Art Commission.
