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Soldiers and Sailors Monument

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ABOUT

Recognized as one of the world’s outstanding monuments, the structure has come to symbolize both the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana.

Located in the heart of downtown in Monument Circle, it was originally designed to honor Indiana’s Civil War veterans. It now commemorates the valor of Hoosier veterans who served in all wars prior to WWI, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Frontier Wars and the Spanish-American War. One of the most popular parts of the monument is the observation deck with a 360-degree view of the city skyline from 275 feet up.

Hours & locationSoldiers & Sailors Monument Brochure
FEATURES

Other features of the monument include:

STORIES OF SERVICE

Indiana Veterans

Exhibit BackgrounderStories of Service
January 31, 2023

Stories of Service: Major Charity Adams

Early Life  Charity Adams was born on December 5, 1918 in Kittrell, North Carolina. She grew up in Columbia, South Carolina until moving to Ohio to continue her education at…
General InformationStories of Service
February 7, 2022

Stories of Service: The Life of Lucy Higgs Nichols

Lucy Higgs Nichols was an African American who escaped slavery and became a nurse for a regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Read on to learn…
Artifacts and AttractionsGeneral InformationPress ReleasesStories of Service
August 24, 2021

20th Anniversary of 9/11: A Reflection on our Nation’s Resolve and Resiliency

20th Anniversary of 9/11: A Reflection on our Nation’s Resolve and Resiliency Most of us vividly remember the exact moment, nearly 20 years ago, when we learned about the terrorist…
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Explore the monuments, museums and memorials of the Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District—virtually.

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On this day, in 1918, the Second Battle of the Somme began. The German troops launched an extensive drive to win World War I. The offensive lasted until April 6 and casualties for both the German and Allied sides totalled at 17,100 troops. 

Did you know: Trench warfare became the way of war during World War I?  The Museum at the Indiana War Memorial has a lifesize trench replica you can walk through. 

Come and see for yourself at the Museum, open Wednesday through Sunday between 9 am and 5 pm. Admission is free! 

*** The Shrine Room is closed for construction and is slated to reopen mid to late-September.

#Indianawarmemorials #WWI #militaryhistory
Today is the first day of Spring! After a long winter, Indiana War Memorials is excited to invite you back to our parks this summer. 

Did you know the Indiana War Memorials Foundation has volunteer opportunities to assist on the Indiana War Memorial Properties? Interested in helping with the spring and summer beautification of the parks? Learn more at https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/donate/volunteer/ 
 
#IndianaWarMemorials
Did you know the circle, in which the Soldiers and Sailors Monument stands, was originally laid out for the Governor’s Mansion in 1827? 

No governor ever lived in the mansion, but it was used for meetings, as a bank, and as a library until the building was eventually demolished. The Circle became a city park, eventually leading to the suggestion that a Monument be placed in the middle of the circle. 

(Image: W.H Bass Photo Company)
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Commemorate your Veteran's legacy by purchasing a Brick of Honor from the Indiana War Memorials Foundation.

The Brick of Honor will be placed at the foot of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the summer of 2025, creating a lasting tribute to your veteran's service and sacrifice in the heart of Indianapolis.

Learn more about purchasing a brick: https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/commemorate/. 

#Veterans #IndyBricksofHonor #MonumentCircle
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Women’s roles in warfare changed significantly during World War I. 

Did you know that the Indiana War Memorial Museum possesses one of the only collections of women's auxiliary military uniforms from every branch of the military in WWI? Learn more about women’s experience throughout Indiana’s military history at the Indiana War Memorial Museum. 

The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free! 

*** The Shrine Room is closed for construction and is slated to reopen mid to late-September.

Hours & Location

HOURS

Hours inside: Please call for hours 317-234-6999
Hours outside: Open from dawn to dusk

ADMISSION

Free

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