Mission Satement
To design, fund and erect a monument befitting the courage, dedication, sacrifice, and patriotism of the Minnesota Soldier circa 1861 - 1865 and to dedicate it during the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War.
History
This project is a long overdue effort by a large number of individuals from all walks of life. There has never been a definitive memorial erected to the Minnesota Civil War Soldier and we feel it is time to correct that wrong.
This project had humble beginnings in 2006 at Camp Ripley, MN with a group of Civil War re-enactors and Vietnam Vets dreaming about what could be if we chose to act. Several years have passed but in 2009 the project has been born.
Monument Description
The image, shown above, is what this monument may look like. The detail will probably change a bit but in essence it is as follows. It is placed in a very special location, that being in front of the old main gate of Fort Snelling National Cemetery, which for many reasons would be a wonderful home for this memorial.
Basic Features:
- Every military unit formed for the defense of State and Nation during the period of 1861 - 1865 will be listed on granite monument blocks, engraved with the name of unit, battles in which they were engaged, muster dates, casualties and more. These massive monument blocks will form a circle representing an unbroken defense of the center piece which is a Minnesota Battleflag.
- Between the monument blocks and the flag will be 4 larger than life bronze figures on Kasota Stone bases. These figures will represent an infantryman, an artilleryman, a cavalryman, and a civilian volunteer. Patterned after bronze sculptures found on Civil War battlefields, these figures will be sculpted with exacting detail of uniform, accoutrements and weapons. They will be facing outwards forming a further defense of their State and Nation.
- Connecting all the monuments and 35 foot flagstaff will be walkways, allowing you to easily move within the monument and see it from all angles.
Accomplishing Our Goal and Beyond...
We must raise just shy of $750,000 to make this happen and for that reason cannot delay. We welcome you to this site and hope you come back and visit often and encourage you to join us when making this monument a reality.
IF NOT US, WHO?? IF NOT NOW, WHEN??
Contact Us for more information or to become a part of this effort:
George P. Luskey - (952) 465-2272
Bill Dalin - (952) 236-0043
Send donations to:
6950 West 146th Street, Suite 110
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Boys of 61's 501c3 Non-Profit Corp status is pending.