Iowa Files: The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

2025 marks the 160th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War. The State of Iowa erected the 135 ft. tall Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, funded partially by refunded war taxes, to commemorate Iowans who fought during the Civil War. The monument was approved in 1888, the cornerstone was laid in 1894, and the structure was completed two years later.

Michael Swanger, publisher of the Iowa History Journal, will talk about this much-photographed monument and share the stories of the 4 Civil War Generals from Iowa who are featured on the sculpture.

This joint library-Historical Society event is free and open to the public thanks to the support of West Des Moines Historical Society Members and the West Des Moines Library Friends Foundation. 

All Iowa Files programs will be live streamed on the West Des Moines Historical Society’s Facebook Page and all videos will be closed captioned. They will also be uploaded to their YouTube channel after the event takes place.