Bridges' Battery
The Bridge’s Battery Monument, installed in 1869-1870, is one of the most ornate examples of Civil War memorialization at Rosehill. Costing over $3,000, the monument stands approximately twenty feet tall. It marks a plot with the graves of over twenty-five members of Bridges’ Battery. The battery, which was authorized in January of 1863, served primarily in the western theater before being transferred to the 1st Regiment Illinois Light Artillery in late 1864.
Chicago Tribune, May 30, 1869
About 2 o’clock the second train from Chicago brought down the balance of the decorators, consisting of the ladies whose names were given yesterday. The wreaths and crosses were taken out and placed on the graves, the crosses at the heads and the wreaths over the breasts of the silent sleepers. There were in all some 800 dead to be honored. Most of them lay within the few acres near the gate. The roll of infantry muskets, the clash of cavalry swords, and the roar of artillery, were all hushed in the silence of the grave. The infantry lay to the left and the artillery on the hill in front. The different batteries had lots to themselves. Twenty-six of the gallant fellows who one bring morning, not long ago, marched from this city, in Bridge’s Battery, lay around a central monument which was decorated with evergreens, the words “Bridge’s Battery” being prominent in green letters. This monument is not yet finished. The design is elaborate and handsome, and one of these days after an expenditure of $3,000, it will rise in its grand proportions in memory of the sleepers. The name of the occupant was placed temporarily over each grave. To-day the urn will be filled with fragrant flowers and immortelles, the emblem of their undying fame. The other batteries were also attended to.
Chicago Tribune, May 31, 1869
Bridges’ Battery boys, or those of them who fell, be at the top of the hill, inside a circular mound, at the centre of which is the foundation of a monument not yet finished, and which was described in yesterday’s TRIBUNE. On top of it was an urn filled with a mammoth bouquet, the base of the urn being entwined by wreaths and on the base lay the national flag, and on it an immense wreath, with the words “Bridges’ Battery,” in raised green letters. The graves were also decorated with the names of the occupants surrounded by wreaths. The battles in which the batter fought were on the tomb as follows: Stone River, Chicamauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin, Nashville.
Dedicated on the same Decoration Day as the Our Heroes: Civil War Monument, the Bridges’ Battery Monument received extensive press in the Chicago Tribune.
Chicago Tribune, May 31, 1870
BRIDGES’ BATTERY MONUMENT.
This monument, about twenty feet high, is erected principally to commemorate the deceased members of the above named battery, and stands near to the general monument just described. It is made entirely of fine Italian marble, from Carrara, and consists of bases, dies, cap, and a statue, representing a figure of Hope, resting on the emblematic anchor. All portions of the monument, except the bases, are highly ornamented, the principal of which is the United States coat of arms on the lower died, and drapery and flowers ornament the upper die. The names of the soldier of the battery, and the numerous battles in which they participated, are engraved on all accessible parts of the work. This monument was also erect by the Chicago Marble and Granite Manufacturing Company. Surrounding the lot upon which it stands are placed the cannon recently voted to the battery by Congress, which will serve as posts.
ADDRESS OF GENERAL DECAT.
A dirge was then rendered by the band, after which Captain White, President of the Bridges Battery Association, introduced General Arthur C. Ducat, who had been selected to deliver he address dedicatory of the Bridges Battery monument. General Ducat said he had been asked by the survivors of the battery to say a few words at the dedication of the monument, and it was with sentiments of the deepest emotion that he attempted to perform the duty to which he had been unexpectedly detailed. It was the first time he had ever addressed a public assembly, but he did not shrink from the task, conscious that his allusions to the noble dead would command attention from every true America. He should refrain from glowing eulogy, for he knew it would be distasteful to the departed heroes could the hear it to-day. It was to keep their memories dear, and their fame and glory ever green among us and our children, that this beautiful monument had been erected. The assembly had gathered here to dedicate this tribute erected by surviving comrades and grateful and appreciative citizens, and to strew flowers over the graves of men our respect for whose memories this act so touchingly and beautifully illustrated. The speaker than gave an account of the history of the battery…
The monument, constructed of marble, is topped with a figure of Hope, one of the seven virtues. Other prominent symbols include the crest of the United States and a drapery of mourning. The lot posts are captured cannons loaned to the battery by Congress.
