Soldiers' Monument Tour
The Winchester Soldiers’ Monument overlooking the city of Winsted within the township of Winchester is considered unique among Connecticut’s Civil War memorials. The monument is significant because, according to the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS), “it is designed with imagination and success to take full advantage of its site and effectively serve its purpose.”
Monument Exterior and Park
The architect, Robert W. Hill and designer, George E. Bissell strove for individuality- no soldier at rest standing on a plinth- for this duo. Instead, the 63’ Gothic Revival tower with castellated parapets recalls the age of chivalry when villagers responded to calls from their lord to protect the demesne and the outlying village. The bronze soldier, far from being “at rest” stands on a tourelle, well above the roofline, vigilantly watching for invaders.
|
The distinctive stonework of the monument had a “pinkish” cast at the time it was quarried from the property of Stephen Hurd, a local farmer at nearby Highland Lake, it now appears golden. The masonry and carpentry was also contracted to local artisans.
|
The CHS reported that “the design, materials, and craftsmanship of this exceptionally fine and little-known work all attest to the remarkable artistic and practical resources of provincial Connecticut.” The National Register of Historic Places agreed adding the monument to its list on January 26, 1984.
The park, located on what had formerly been known as Camp’s Hill is about 2 acres above the city of Winsted. The CHS states that the designer of the monument “In working out the relationship of site, building mass, and architectural style … used the wall along the front of the site to knit the components together. The stone fence with its fanciful central entrance structure establishes the site as an integral part of the memorial as a whole.” However, the historical record does not bear this out chronologically.
The walls, walkways, and overall design of the park were not adopted until 1 1/2 years after the monument’s dedication on September 11, 1890. The Hartford Courant reported on February 5, 1892 that “the designs for the layout of Memorial Park, whereon is situated the Soldiers’ Memorial Tower… submitted by Architect Benedict of Waterbury have been accepted.” The horseshoe shape of the park with its similarly-shaped drive, stone portals with an archway and stone battlements were included in the plan as were plats for a flagstaff and fountain. The Courant concluded “when this work is all done, the monument and the grounds will probably be the handsomest in the country-not the state-but the United States.”
The park, located on what had formerly been known as Camp’s Hill is about 2 acres above the city of Winsted. The CHS states that the designer of the monument “In working out the relationship of site, building mass, and architectural style … used the wall along the front of the site to knit the components together. The stone fence with its fanciful central entrance structure establishes the site as an integral part of the memorial as a whole.” However, the historical record does not bear this out chronologically.
The walls, walkways, and overall design of the park were not adopted until 1 1/2 years after the monument’s dedication on September 11, 1890. The Hartford Courant reported on February 5, 1892 that “the designs for the layout of Memorial Park, whereon is situated the Soldiers’ Memorial Tower… submitted by Architect Benedict of Waterbury have been accepted.” The horseshoe shape of the park with its similarly-shaped drive, stone portals with an archway and stone battlements were included in the plan as were plats for a flagstaff and fountain. The Courant concluded “when this work is all done, the monument and the grounds will probably be the handsomest in the country-not the state-but the United States.”
The Interior
On the first floor, surmounting the fireplace in the northeast corner is the 1990 plaque commemorating the fundraising campaign of P. Francis Hicks that resulted in monument repairs and the establishment of the Soldiers' Monument Commission. Nearby, on the east wall, is the wall-size marble dedication plaque.
All three floors are 15' x 15'. A wooden stairway rises against the south wall of each floor.
All three floors are 15' x 15'. A wooden stairway rises against the south wall of each floor.
|
On the second floor are five plaques listing the more than 300 men who "represented" Winchester in the Civil War (current research has found that not all were residents of the town but most had enlisted there).
|
The third floor is similar to the second but without plaques. Historical exhibits are often displayed on this floor during the seasonal open house events, and visitors thrill to the views from the windows. A stairway leads to the roof which is currently off-limits to visitors for safety issues until renovations can be completed. At Christmas, a lighted tree on the roof may be seen for many miles.
The Monument and Park has drawn visitors, artists, and historians from throughout the country and from around the world. Many have agreed with the Hartford Courant of 1892 that the monument and grounds may be the handsomest in the entire country...
The Monument and Park has drawn visitors, artists, and historians from throughout the country and from around the world. Many have agreed with the Hartford Courant of 1892 that the monument and grounds may be the handsomest in the entire country...
