Gen. Nathaniel Lyon Monument Lyon Park, St. Louis, Missouri Photo courtesy of Mark Trout

As legal heir to the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), the preservation of monuments, memorials, and outdoor sculpture erected and dedicated by the G.A.R., is one of the most important objectives of the SUVCW. Our American tradition of Memorial Day, founded by the G.A.R. in 1868, is celebrated each year with many communities still centering their Memorial Day programs around a monument erected by the G.A.R.. With proper care, these monuments will continue to stand in tribute to those who saved the Union.

In addition to those monuments erected by the G.A.R., there are many monuments erected by other organizations and individuals commemorating battles, engagements and skirmishes, as well as the exploits of individuals during the Civil War. The SUVCW is engaged in a nationwide campaign to physically seek and inspect every monument that can be found to document their existence and identify any restoration work that is needed.

Although the total number of G.A.R./Civil War monuments across the state of Missouri is not known, a goal has been established by the Department of Missouri to search all 114 counties and identify and document the conditions of all monuments located within those counties. The Department estimates that there may be as many as 400, and has established an aggressive goal to identify and record this number by the year 2010. In order to obtain additional information, or to find out how you can help, please contact our Department Monuments Officer at the following: