Welcome to the Soldiers Monument located in Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut. This impressive monument stands as a tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the men of Bridgeport who served in the Civil War. Dedicated on August 17, 1876, the monument took a decade from its initial concept to its completion. The foundation was laid in 1866, just a year after the Civil War ended, fueled by the efforts of the Ladies Soldiers Monument Association, a group that had supported troops during the war.
Designed by Melzar H. Mosman and cast by the Ames Manufacturing Company, the monument features an elaborate granite base with an arched pedestal supporting three bronze figures, all reaching a towering height of 54 feet. These figures embody the spirit of the soldiers in a forceful yet classical style, marking it as one of the largest and costliest Civil War monuments in Connecticut.
Seaside Park, where the monument is located, holds historical significance as the site where the 17th Connecticut Volunteers camped in 1862. The dedication ceremony was a grand event, despite heavy rain. It drew visiting militias, the Grand Army of the Republic units, and even six companies of the New York National Guard. The streets were adorned with flags and bunting, and the parade took half an hour to pass any given point.
Among the speakers was General Joseph R. Hawley and Reverend Dr. Alexander R. Thompson, who praised the patriotism and sacrifice of the soldiers. Dr. Thompson notably referenced the emancipation of slaves, which was an uncommon acknowledgment at such ceremonies, setting this monument apart.
This monument not only commemorates the past but also serves as an educational symbol for future generations, reminding us of the sacrifices made to preserve the Union and the ongoing journey towards equality.
