In an article appearing in the Winterset Madisonian, the editor suggested that a monument be erected to honor Madison County’s war dead. This sparked a flurry of interest and enthusiasm among the people of the county.

  A society was soon formed. Many sub-committees were organized and served throughout the county. Monroe Township was represented by Mrs. Simeon Hamblin, Nancy Ritchie and Mrs. Fisher. Funds were needed to pay for this project. There were festivals, solicitations, exhibitions and many other ways were used to raise the needed money.

  The Madison County Supervisors gave the Society two lots. One lot on which the old log courthouse stood and the other was the old jail lot. The Society had the privilege of selling the jail lot. They purchased an adjoining lot to the courthouse lot. By combining the two areas made one hundred and sixty-six feet square. The monument was erected on this ground.

  A rise of native limestone, six and a half feet high serves as a base for this fourteen foot white American marble column.

On October 7, 1867, with appropriate ceremonies, the park and the .monument were dedicated to our fallen heroes who gave their lives for freedom that others might enjoy. In December the marble stone was put into place and the monument was completed. Madison County was the first in the nation to honor its war dead.

  In July, 1974, workers refurbished the base and monument. They found a small metal box at the corner of the base filled with mementoes. The box contained money of different values and papers. These valuable relics of the 1860 era are on display and filed at the  Madison County Museum . The monument is flanked by civil war cannons. The Madison County Supervisors have charge of the grounds for maintenance and its perpetual care.

  Researched and compiled by Mary W. Pope