Civil War Monument in Central Park

   A Local Landmark at the Corner of N. Court and 4th Street.  

The monument entitled "To Heroic Sons" was designed by Ottumwa Sculptor David Edstrom.   Sculpted in 1916, the monument bears four bronze tablets that tell the story of a Union Soldier leaving his family to go to war, facing battle, being wounded and dying and finally showing his family continuing in his absence. 

North Panel

West Panel  

South Panel

East Panel

The Eagle

The monument underwent a restoration restoration project in 2001-02.  The gold leaf was removed from the eagle to reveal its original bronze finish in addition to having extensive repairs to its interior steel framework.  The tablets were refinished and preserved as well.  The restoration was funded through a grant from the Fahrney Foundation. 

This beautiful monument honors all of the Wapello County Veterans of the Civil War. We should never forget the ideals for which they fought and the high price paid for the preservation of the Union.