Kingston, Ulster County

Near the entrance of City Hall in Kingston, New York are several memorials to those who have served our country in the military. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument honors those from Ulster County who served during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. The total monument stands 28 feet tall, with the bronze soldier figure (seen here) standing at seven feet high. The local newspaper described the monument at its dedication: “The solider is on the skirmish line watching for the enemy . . . The faces are expressive. Intelligence, courage, resolution and alertness are defined.”

The New York Times stated: “The monument stands on the plaza in front of the City Hall, on Union Avenue, and commands an extended view of the Catskills. The cost was $7,500. It is 28 feet high and measures 13 feet 6 inches by 8 feet 6 inches at the base. The surmounting figure represents Victory, is of Hallowell granite, and is 9 feet in height. Bronze figures of a soldier and a sailor, 7 feet in height, are on each side of the lower die. On the cap band of the sailor is the name of the ironclad Manhattan, on which Capt. Marius Schoonmaker served during the battle of Mobile Bay.” (1)

The monument was dedicated on October 22, 1890 to great fanfare: “A parade took place in the afternoon. In the procession were about 2,000 army veterans, several companies of the State militia and civic organizations. The unveiling exercises were witnessed by a large crowd. The orator was Gen. George H. Sharpe.” (2)

The statue was created by Caspar Buberl (1834-1899), a well known sculptor best known for his Civil War monuments. Ten of his monuments are located at the Gettysburg battlefield. Both the soldier and sailor statues were restored in 2000 by the Coryat Casting Company.

Source (1), (2): “Ulster’s War Record. A Monument Unveiled at Kingston Yesterday.” The New York Times. October 23, 1890.