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Civil War Memorial, Sycamore, Illinois

A solemn tribute to DeKalb County residents who served in the Civil War, featuring a towering obelisk and copper sculptures.

The Civil War Memorial in Sycamore, Illinois, stands as a tribute to the 2,388 DeKalb County residents who served in the American Civil War. Erected in 1896 and dedicated in 1897, the 50-foot monument features an obelisk adorned with copper sculptures and inscriptions.

A brief summary to Civil War Memorial (Sycamore, Illinois)

  • 133 W State St, Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, US

Local tips

  • Take time to examine the inscriptions and sculptures for a deeper understanding of the memorial's symbolism.
  • Visit the memorial in conjunction with a tour of the Sycamore Historic District to appreciate the area's rich history.
  • Note the misspelling of "Antietam" on the east facade, a unique feature of the monument.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Civil War Memorial is located in front of the DeKalb County Courthouse at 133 W State St, in downtown Sycamore. If you are already in the downtown area, walking is a convenient option. From the intersection of IL-23 and IL-64, head west on IL-64/W State St. The courthouse and memorial will be on your right. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Sycamore is served by DeKalb Public Transit. Several bus routes, including routes 12, 17, 18, and 21, have stops near the downtown area. Check the DeKalb Public Transit website for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. From the nearest bus stop, walk to the DeKalb County Courthouse on W State St. Single-ride fares on DeKalb Public Transit are typically $1-2.

  • Parking

    If driving, free centralized parking is available two blocks north of Highways 64 & 23. Turn east onto East Sycamore Street. Entrances to the parking lots are located from the north on Sycamore Street and from the south on Main Street. Metered parking is also available at the Courthouse. Check the Downtown Sycamore Public Parking Map for locations. Metered parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $0.25 per hour.

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Discover more about Civil War Memorial (Sycamore, Illinois)

Located in front of the DeKalb County Courthouse, the Civil War Memorial serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by local heroes during the American Civil War. The memorial, created by an unknown sculptor, was erected in 1896 and dedicated in 1897. The monument's design incorporates an obelisk that rises to 50 feet, topped by a soldier figure holding a flag and sword. The base features copper sculptures of infantry and cavalry soldiers. The memorial is inscribed with names of major battles, including a misspelling of "Antietam," and excerpts from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The quote at the front of the statue is from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The memorial underwent restoration in 2005-2006, revealing that the statues were made of copper rather than bronze. The Civil War Memorial is a contributing property to the Sycamore Historic District, which was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The structure also has artistic significance as it is listed by the Smithsonian American Art Museum in their research database.

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