Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (Indianapolis)

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Image:Indianapolis-indiana-soldiers-sailors-monument.jpg

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a 284-feet tall neoclassical oolitic limestone and bronze monument in the center of Indianapolis, Indiana (and Marion County, Indiana). It was erected to honor Hoosiers who were veterans of the American Revolution, territorial conflicts that partially led up to the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the US Civil War. It was designed by German architect Bruno Schmitz, and was completed in 1901. In addition to its external commemorative statuary and fountains, the basement of the monument is a museum of Indiana history during the American Civil War.

The monument lies within "Monument Circle". The circle did not always host a monument, since Indianapolis was laid out in 1822. The outside of the circle is surrounded by small retail shops, studios for several local radio stations, the Hilbert Circle Theatre (home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra), financial institutions, one of the oldest social clubs of Indianapolis, and an historic Episcopal Cathedral. The circle is the standard symbol of the city of Indianapolis, and the city's flag is an iconic representation of Monument Circle and the two streets (Meridian and Market) that feed into and out of it.

Several public events are scheduled at or near the monument, and it is decorated by the city every Christmas season, with the monument becoming adorned as a gigantic Christmas tree. It also is used as a venue for an annual outdoor art display with an Indianapolis 500 theme.