Statues & Plaques in Gloucester Part III From Peter Dorsey

Dear Joey,

I knew that there had to be a Civil War statue in downtown Gloucester, but I had to hunt around a little for it. Sure enough, right next to the City Hall at the corner of Dale Avenue and Warren Street is a Greek Revival obelisk, a ” large granite and bronze monument with a finely hammered base, plinth (slab base), die and cornice, surmounted by a large size statue of Liberty in bronze.” (from “History of Gloucester, James R. Pringle -1892) It was dedicated oddly enough on September 11 in 1879, a day which was observed as a general holiday in order to mark the occasion. It was the second Civil War statue erected in Gloucester. This statue, next to the City Hall, was erected by Post 45 of the Grand Army of the Republic, G.A.R., one of the many patriotic societies of the day, “In Honor of the Soldiers and Sailors’ of Gloucester, who Fought in the War of 1861 – 1865, for the Preservation of the Union”.

This is another of the beautiful statues that graces the City of Gloucester. I recommend taking the time to find and gaze upon this handsome monument.

Peter Dorsey