Soldiers and Sailors Monument – Hartford

A Tribute to Hartford’s Civil War Soldiers

The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, designed by Hartford architect George Keller, honors the 4,000 Hartford citizens who served in the Civil War, including the 400 who lost their lives for the Union. Dedicated on September 17, 1886, on the anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, the Gothic-style monument was built from Portland, Connecticut brownstone at a cost of approximately $60,000 from the city treasury. Keller and his wife Mary were interred in the east tower upon their deaths in 1935 and 1946, respectively.

Artistic and Historical Features

The arch features a striking terra cotta frieze depicting Civil War scenes, with eight-foot-tall statues representing different residents who left their homes to fight, including a student, farmer, freed slave, stone mason, carpenter, and blacksmith.

Restoration and Recognition

As part of a $1.5 million restoration in 1987, the original terra cotta angels Gabriel and Raphael were replicated in bronze and replaced. Additionally, a bronze plaque beneath the freed slave statue was added to honor the 128 African American Hartford residents who fought for the Union. This plaque was inspired by research from seventh-grade student Airron Bethea, who wrote an essay for the arch’s rededication.

This site is open to the public.