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4.5
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Soldiers & Sailors Monument

1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 USA

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“one of the world's most outstanding monuments”

Soldiers and Sailors Monument 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. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is Indiana's official memorial to the Hoosiers that served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Frontier Wars and the Spanish-American War. The Limestone used for the monument is gray oolitic limestone from the Romona quarries of Owen County. It stands 284 feet, 6 inches high, only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty. It cost $598,318 in 1902. It has been estimated that building a similar structure today would cost more than five hundred million dollars.  The commission for the monument construction requested architects to submit design proposals. Of the seventy proposals turned in, two finalists were chosen. Then from the two, Bruno Schmitz of Berlin, Prussia (Germany) received the appointment.  There are a number of art works either built into the Monument, or placed throughout the grounds. Bruno Schmitz brought with him Rudolf Schwarz. Schwarz was sculptor for the statuary groups "War" and "Peace", "The Dying Soldier", "The Homefront" and the four statues at the corners of the Monument that represents the Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, and Navy. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument houses the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, which is open Friday-Sunday from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission is free. Gift Shop and Observation Level The Soldiers & Sailors Monument also features a Gift Shop and Observation Level that are open Friday-Sunday from 10:30 AM-5:30 PM. From the Observation Level, visitors have a 360 degree view of the city skyline from 275 feet up. The Observation Level can be reached by climbing 331 steps or riding an elevator 90% of the distance and climbing the remaning 31 steps. Please note that when outside temperatures reach higher than 95 degrees, the Observation Level is unavailable due to safety concerns.

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Reviewed by
cwfisher

  • 3 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
March 14, 2015
Rated 5.0

A beautiful symbol of Indianapolis and a great tribute to Hoosier soldiers and sailors. You will definitely want to go up to the observation deck. You can take stairs for free, or pay for an elevator ride. If you take the stairs it's a nice little workout. Don't forget the museum below the monument.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
mandito85

  • 6 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
March 24, 2014
Rated

This a favorite mine. The museum below the monument is fantastic and worth a look and it's free admission! And if you have the time, go up into the monument to get a great view of the fine city of Indianapolis! Just for a few dollars ride the elevator up! This is a truly MUST SEE when visiting Indy!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Lesli Peterson

  • Blogger
  • 1,213 Reviews
  • 60 Helpful
June 26, 2023
Rated 5.0

The moment you step foot in Indianapolis, you’ll have many encouraging you to visit Monument Circle as soon as you can. Monument Circle is an iconic spot that promises a lively, vibrant, colorful and energetic atmosphere.

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument stands tall and proud in the heart of Downtown Indianapolis, right in the traffic circle. The memorial is an exquisite sight to behold in its limestone glory, promising striking views you’ve never beheld before from the observation deck.

We think a visit here is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis!

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Soldiers & Sailors Monument

1 Monument Circle
Indianapolis, Indiana
46204 USA
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