If you've ever driven through the roundabout in Utica, you've probably noticed the statue between Genesee Street and State Street. But do you know the history behind the landmark?

Right where State Street and Genesee Street meet in the Utica roundabout, the land comes to a point, and inside that point is a huge monument. The statue is of a woman pointing. Below her, are four figures - one facing each direction - North, east, south, and west. A very detailed monument, but what does it mean? What do the figures stand for and who is the woman on top?

Well, according to the Oneida County Historical Society, the landmark is actually "The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument," and it's dedicated to those in Oneida and Herkimer counties that fought in the Civil War. The Oneida County Historical Society says,

The female figure on its top represents the city. She is pointing south to the many battlefields where hundreds of area soldiers had died or were wounded in the war between 1861-65. The figure "Victory"--faced north, "Peace" faced south, a soldier faced east and a sailor faced west...

The monument was unveiled on October 13, 1891 - And since then it has been a constant reminder of all those who have fought in the Civil War, and the rich history in the Utica area.

So the next time you head through that roundabout - Driving along, daydreaming or thinking about errands you have to run - Take a moment to look at the monument. Take a moment to realize all who have fought and died to make our nation what it is.

Oh, and one more little fun fact - Just to show how much the community cared about this monument, according to the Oneida County Historical Society,

...Uticans had voted to tax themselves $15,000 to reach the $32,000 needed to complete the project...

That's right, that's how bad residents wanted this monument. That's how much the people cared about this part of our history (before it was even history).

 

 


 

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