Existing comment:
Building the Soldiers and Sailors Monument:
In 1888, an international competition was set up to choose a design for the monument. Bruno Schmitz of Berlin, Germany was chosen the winner. George Brewster of Cleveland, Ohio created the statue of Victory for the top of the monument, and the bronze astragal representing the navy.
The cornerstone was laid on August 22, 1889. Four years later, Victory was put in place atop the native Indiana limestone tower, which at the time was nearly four times the height of any other building in Indianapolis. In 1897, interior stairways were completed and an elevator installed. The observation level was opened and townsfolk and tourists could marvel at the amazing new view of their expanding city. |