Soldiers and Sailors Monument
This famous war memorial sits in the center of Indianapolis and honors Hoosiers who were veterans of every war from the American Revolution through the Spanish-American War at the turn of the 19th century. It was constructed by German architect Bruno Schmitz in 1901, standing 284 feet, 6 inches tall, and is only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty. It is primarily made of oolitic limestone and bronze, with two water pools on either side. Visitors can climb the 331 steps to the top observation deck where they will get stunning views of the city skyline, or make their way to the basement of the monument where the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum resides, which is dedicated to Indiana history during the American Civil War.
Soldiers and Sailors Monument
1 Monument Circle
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-7615
in.gov/iwm/2335.htm
Saint Joseph County Civil War Monument
Visitors to downtown South Bend should stop at the Saint Joseph County Courthouse, originally built from 1897 to 1898, in order to see this beautifully crafted monument dedicated to Union army soldiers from the county who fought and died during the Civil War. Located on the north side of the courthouse at the corner of Main St. and Washington, the monument resembles a smaller version of the Soldiers and Sailors in Indianapolis. It is not large enough to go inside; however it provides the names of the soldiers, their units, and the major battles in which they took part on a tastefully designed plaque on its outside face for bystanders to see.
Saint Joseph County Civil War Monument
Saint Joseph County Courthouse
101 South Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9635
stjosephcountyindiana.com
World War II Buzz Bomb Memorial
This World War II memorial was crafted from an actual German Buzz Bomb war plane, one of only two in the entire U.S. and forerunner to the Japanese kamikaze planes. The bomber came into the American Navy's possession during the war and was shipped to a naval base in Virginia, where it was kept until the war ended. It was at that time that members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1550 in Greencastle asked for the bomber so that it could be made into the memorial. Upon passage of legislation by Congress, the memorial was erected on the Putnam County Courthouse grounds and has been there ever since. It is a must-see of anyone who is a fan of wartime aviation.
World War II Buzz Bomb Memorial
Putnam County Courthouse
121 Ridgeland Rd.
Greencastle, IN 46135
765-653-5272
guidepostusa.com/Listing.aspx?76416
Battle of Tippecanoe Monument
This giant marble obelisk was built in 1908 in order to commemorate those who died at the battle of Tippecanoe, which was fought in late 1811 between William Henry Harrison's troops and an army of Shawnee Indians. It is believed to have been one of the opening battles of the War of 1812. The monument resides at the actual site of the battle, standing 85 feet high, and was declared a National Historical Landmark by the government in October of 1960. It is currently maintained by the Tippecanoe County Historical Association along with an adjacent seminary building, which houses a museum with information and artifacts about the battle.
Battle of Tippecanoe Monument
200 Battle Ground Ave.
Battle Ground, IN 47920
765-567-2147
tcha.mus.in.us
