MONUMENT HISTORY
On September 11, 1890, the dedication of the Soldiers’ Monument and Memorial Park focused statewide attention on Winsted. At the dedication ceremony, Governor Morgan G. Bulkeley, as well as other state and national figures, spoke to a crowd of approximately 20,000 people who were brought to Winsted by special trains added to accommodate the influx of passengers wanting to view the celebration of what the Hartford Courant called, “Winsted’s Glorious Day.”
This first of three Civil War monuments located in Winsted was a lengthy project, from conception to reality. The original impetus came from the local unit of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Palmer Post No. 33 in Winsted, which received over $1,000 for the erection of a monument in 1870. However, for almost 20 years, bickering over the details, including the site, kept the memorial just a dream. In 1887, the GAR turned over the planning and funds to the Winchester Soldiers’ Memorial Park Association led by banker and real estate mogul, Henry Gay. In 1888, John T. Rockwell, Caleb Camp, and William L. Camp donated two acres at the top of Crown Street, contingent on the building-fund increase. “ People’s Fairs” held by the townspeople raised some of the funds and area philanthropists fell in line contributing the balance, raising the money needed for the $15,000 memorial park.
Although the park was dedicated in 1890, not all the features were in place. The horse-shoe drive, stone walls and gateway were added a few years later. The cannons were probably added prior to the decision by the Winchester Soldiers’ Memorial Park Association to turn the title, interest, land, and premises over to the town of Winchester which was authorized to maintain the property, to beautify the grounds, monuments, and premises and to make such appropriations necessary for the care and maintenance of the grounds and buildings.
In the 1940's, during World War II, renovations and changes were made to the building including the removal of a bronze door and the construction of a wooden enclosure on top of the building in order to prepare the structure as a watch tower. Electricity was also brought to the structure at this time. In the mid-1970s the Winchester Board of Selectmen authorized the use of a 70-year old trust fund for the construction of a decorative water fountain on the Park grounds. In July 1985, the Board of Selectmen established the Soldiers' Monument Commission to develop policy concerning the proper use and maintenance of the Soldiers' Monument and to preserve and safeguard the structure and surrounding park land.
Today, the Monument and Memorial grounds continue to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of Winchester during the Civil War. It has been the focal point for Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day ceremonies, as well as having a role in the town’s major anniversary celebrations. The park has been used since its inception for picnics, concerts, and plays and is also used for Easter Sunrise services, weddings and other special events.
The Soldiers’ Monument located on Crown Street in Winsted, the city within the township of Winchester, is central to the civic life of Winsted. Its bronze- cast standard bearer of the Civil War appears to be guarding the valley below. The monument is the central icon on the Winchester town seal and on the badges of the town’s police force.
On September 11, 1890, the dedication of the Soldiers’ Monument and Memorial Park focused statewide attention on Winsted. At the dedication ceremony, Governor Morgan G. Bulkeley, as well as other state and national figures, spoke to a crowd of approximately 20,000 people who were brought to Winsted by special trains added to accommodate the influx of passengers wanting to view the celebration of what the Hartford Courant called, “Winsted’s Glorious Day.”
This first of three Civil War monuments located in Winsted was a lengthy project, from conception to reality. The original impetus came from the local unit of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Palmer Post No. 33 in Winsted, which received over $1,000 for the erection of a monument in 1870. However, for almost 20 years, bickering over the details, including the site, kept the memorial just a dream. In 1887, the GAR turned over the planning and funds to the Winchester Soldiers’ Memorial Park Association led by banker and real estate mogul, Henry Gay. In 1888, John T. Rockwell, Caleb Camp, and William L. Camp donated two acres at the top of Crown Street, contingent on the building-fund increase. “ People’s Fairs” held by the townspeople raised some of the funds and area philanthropists fell in line contributing the balance, raising the money needed for the $15,000 memorial park.
Although the park was dedicated in 1890, not all the features were in place. The horse-shoe drive, stone walls and gateway were added a few years later. The cannons were probably added prior to the decision by the Winchester Soldiers’ Memorial Park Association to turn the title, interest, land, and premises over to the town of Winchester which was authorized to maintain the property, to beautify the grounds, monuments, and premises and to make such appropriations necessary for the care and maintenance of the grounds and buildings.
In the 1940's, during World War II, renovations and changes were made to the building including the removal of a bronze door and the construction of a wooden enclosure on top of the building in order to prepare the structure as a watch tower. Electricity was also brought to the structure at this time. In the mid-1970s the Winchester Board of Selectmen authorized the use of a 70-year old trust fund for the construction of a decorative water fountain on the Park grounds. In July 1985, the Board of Selectmen established the Soldiers' Monument Commission to develop policy concerning the proper use and maintenance of the Soldiers' Monument and to preserve and safeguard the structure and surrounding park land.
Today, the Monument and Memorial grounds continue to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of Winchester during the Civil War. It has been the focal point for Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day ceremonies, as well as having a role in the town’s major anniversary celebrations. The park has been used since its inception for picnics, concerts, and plays and is also used for Easter Sunrise services, weddings and other special events.
The Soldiers’ Monument located on Crown Street in Winsted, the city within the township of Winchester, is central to the civic life of Winsted. Its bronze- cast standard bearer of the Civil War appears to be guarding the valley below. The monument is the central icon on the Winchester town seal and on the badges of the town’s police force.
