Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, has become a hub of activity for both residents and tourists. Featuring the massive Soldiers & Sailors Monument that commemorates the valor of Indiana’s military men and women in all wars prior to World War I, the space also provides easy access to a variety of businesses and community organizations. This accessibility has had an enormous impact on the economy of the area but also on the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana since Monument Circle has become an important attraction for both.
Honoring Indiana Soldier’s Contributions and Sacrifices
The cornerstone for a monument that would honor the memories of Indiana’s Civil War Veterans Soldiers & Sailors Monument was laid in 1889, not long after another famous Soldiers’ and Sailors’ monument was constructed. Dedicated in 1902, the foundation of the monument is 30 feet in depth while the height from street level to the top of the Victory statue is only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty.
That Victory statue is better known as “Miss Indiana”, and is the most notable sculpture on the monument which itself has become a powerful symbol in Indiana. The statue is holding a sword that represents victory as well as a torch that signifies the light of civilization. An eagle that rests on her head is a symbol of freedom.
There are numerous other figures and statues located around the monument and the entirety of Monument Circle. A bronze statue of James Whitcomb commemorates Indiana’s governor during the Mexican War. Another bronze statue of William Henry Harrison honors the first Governor of the Indiana Territory. The east and west sides of the monument also feature large cascade fountains.
On the monument itself, statuary groups have been created that honor everything from Indiana’s contributions to the War of the Revolution to the War with Spain. Sculptures including War and Peace, The Dying Soldier and The Return Home appear on each side of the monument. These sculptures depict actual people, animals, objects and symbols, all of which are tied into the military victories and sacrifices of Indiana soldiers across the centuries.
The observation level of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument is 330 steps up and allows visitors to get a panoramic view of Indianapolis. Situation 231 feet above the ground, the view gives visitors a much better sense of the area and allows them to see other notable attraction in the city like the Indiana War Memorial.
That panoramic view can be experienced in a much different way back down in Monument Circle itself, where residents and visitors can engage with the space to take part in many of the events and happenings that are always going on.
The Events and Activities in Monument Circle
Monument Circle has become populated with numerous shops and stores, partly because it physically defines the heart of downtown Indianapolis but also because it has utilized that space to create real engagement. Monument Circle is surrounded by retail shops like Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop, studios for several local radio stations, the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and numerous restaurants including Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery. Additionally, it features the Columbia Club, one of the oldest social clubs of Indiana as well as a historic Episcopal church.
Engagement with these establishments is part of the reason that Monument Circle has become a premier public gathering place in Indianapolis to commemorate notable events, including concerts, political demonstrations, and photo opportunities. That includes everything from Super Bowl celebrations to events like Shining a Light, a seasonally themed light show and nightly signature salute. When this takes place, the monument is turned into a “screen” that shows videos starring Indiana veterans and active-duty soldiers.
Admission to the Soldiers & Sailors Monument is free, but it costs money to ride the elevator. The gift shop at promenade level has numerous items for sale, many of which feature the monument in a prominent manner. Additionally, many of the stairs within the monument were sponsored as part of the renovation, providing the monument with an important means of direct revenue.
The Soldiers & Sailors Monument has also directly influenced and shaped the identity of Indianapolis, which is something that can be seen in how sports teams and organizations like Downtown Indy Inc. feature Victory in their logo. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is also featured prominently in maps and guides to the city to compel people to come visit Monument Circle. All of this action and activity has enabled the many shops and stores in and around Monument Circle to enjoy a whole new level of popularity.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 13, 1973, Monument Circle has become a symbol of Indianapolis and Indiana as a whole. This impact on the culture and economy of Indianapolis has enabled positive change for the entire city that has help to establish a legacy that is set to extend into the far future of the city and all of Indiana.
Fulfilling on Monumentous Potential
Like many popular squares, Monument Circle’s position in the center of the city compels activity in numerous ways. However, unlike other squares that are empty or don’t have any notable features, the presence of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument at the center of Monument Circle has provided Indianapolis with a powerful attraction that compels a different type of engagement from both residents and tourists. Doing so has come to showcase how monuments can transform spaces for the benefit of cities and communities in the present and future.
