Cenotaph
The Cenotaph – honoring the unknown soldiers
Gold Eagle Sculpture
One of four Gold Eagles which surround the Cenotaph.

 

The Cenotaph is the focus of a striking plaza, honoring the soldiers whose burial site is unknown. Considered to be the most solemn of the spaces, the monument was originally conceived as a grave site for the first Hoosier who died in World War I, James Gresham. Out of respect for his family’s wishes, Gresham’s remains rest in his hometown of Evansville and the cenotaph instead represents all Hoosiers who have died in wars. Created from red, green, and black granite, the plaza is cornered with columns of black granite topped with bronze eagles, which are painted gold.  The monument was dedicated in 1931.