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Cenotaph Square

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Cenotaph Square, which comprises the Cenotaph and the Sunken Garden, is located at the north end of American Legion Mall.

Constructed in 1931, Cenotaph Square memorializes the nation’s first casualty of World War I: Corporal James B. Gresham of Company F, 16th Infantry from Evansville, Indiana. Today, the Cenotaph is dedicated to all the dead of World War I.

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FEATURES

Other features of the square include:

Corporal James B. Gresham

It was designed to hold the remains of the nation’s first combat death of World War I, Corporal James B. Gresham of Company F, 16th Infantry, from Evansville, Indiana. Though the Gresham family was present for the dedication of the Cenotaph in his honor, they subsequently decided that the body would remain in its original burial place in Evansville. The Cenotaph remains empty today, dedicated to all those lost in World War I. An inscription on the north side memorializes Gresham.

The Focal Point

The focal point of the square is a rectangular black granite cenotaph (raised, empty tomb) resting on a low green and red granite base that sits on a pavement of polished red and green granite squares.

STORIES OF SERVICE

Indiana Veterans

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Artifacts and AttractionsGeneral InformationPress ReleasesStories of Service
August 24, 2021

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Explore the monuments, museums and memorials of the Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District—virtually.

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Hours & Location

HOURS

Open from dawn to dusk

ADMISSION

Free

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