The Soldiers' Monument | |
 Lorado Taft'sThe Soldier's Monument in Oregon, Illinois. | |
| Location | Oregon,Ogle County, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°00′49″N89°19′58.4″W / 42.01361°N 89.332889°W /42.01361; -89.332889 |
| Area | Oregon Commercial Historic District |
| Built | 1916[1] |
| Architect | Pond and Pond |
| Sculptor | Lorado Taft |
| Part of | Oregon Commercial Historic District (ID06000713[2]) |
| Added to NRHP | August 16, 2006[2] |
The Soldiers' Monument is a memorial consisting of three statues, one in bronze and two in marble by sculptorLorado Taft, grouped around anexedra designed by the architectural firm ofPond and Pond. It is located inOregon, Illinois, the county seat ofOgle County, Illinois. It was dedicated in 1916. The sculpture is part of theOregon Commercial Historic District. The district was designated and listed on theNational Register of Historic Places in August 2006.
This example ofpublic art is located just offIllinois Route 64 as it passes through Oregon. It sits on the southeast side of theOld Ogle County Courthouse square.
The eyes are drawn to the centered whitemarble stairs which lead up to the main part of the monument. At the top of the stairs is the dominating feature of the installation. Taft's oversizedClassical female figure stands with her arms outstretched, clutching alaurel wreath in each hand. Behind her is anexedra which was designed by the architects Pond and Pond.[1] The exedra extends around the installation and to either side of the female sculpture are built-in benches. Above the benches arebronze plaques honoring veterans of theCivil War and theSpanish–American War;[3] above the individual war plaques is bronze plating that reads, "Ogle County Honors Her Sons." Flanking the dominant sculpture are two soldiers atop pedestals, one facing north and the other facing south. Tafts's soldiers were cut from marble obtained in the U.S. state of Georgia.[1]The Soldiers' Monument was constructed, on the approval of the Ogle County Board in 1916, for no more than $21,000. Today (2007), this example of the work ofLorado Taft is estimated to be worth over $1,000,000.[3]
The center female bronze figure, holding the laurel wreaths, represents America.[1] The soldier on the south side of the monument is aninfantryman and is staring north, toward home. The other soldier, on the north half of the installation, is acavalry soldier, he is looking south, with his hand on thehilt of his sword. The cavalry soldier is looking toward battle.[1]