Soldiers and Sailors Monument (Buffalo, New York)

 monument, American Civil War 1861-1865

Situated in the center of Lafayette Square, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument was dedicated in 1884 in memory of those who laid down their lives "in the war to maintain the Union for the cause of their country and of mankind".

Flanked on the cardinal points by eight-foot tall statues of Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, and Naval servicemen, the monument features an 85ft tall column capped by 10ft tall female figure said to represent the Union. The shaft itself is clad with bronze symbols of the Nation and State, the Great Seal of Buffalo, and a "drum" showing over thirty bas-relief figures and the final half of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

Extensively rebuilt in 1889 following a partial collapse of the monuments footing, the monument has become the heart of Buffalo's civic life, serving as the central figure in countless rallies, demonstrations and outdoor events.

www.buffaloah.com/a/lafsq/index.html