The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Allentown PA was dedicated in 1899. The monument is made from a medium shade of Barre, Vermont granite and is topped by the Goddess of Liberty. It stands 99 feet above Allentown Center Square. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was intended to be a symbol of unity among the people of this area. The statue is also an excellent example of the symbolism of the country’s military history. It is located at 47 S 7th St, Allentown, PA 18101. Next stop to visit.
While visiting the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, be sure to take in the local history of the town. Many of the buildings in the area date back to 1762. The Old Allentown Historic District makes for an interesting afternoon stroll. Several museums are also located in the area, including America on Wheels, the Allied Air Force Museum, Haines Mill Museum, Lehigh Valley Heritage, Mack Truck Museum, and the Liberty Bell Museum. More about Allentown here.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Allentown was restored in 1964. It was originally dedicated to the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteers and was dedicated to the veterans of that era. It cost $43,000 to erect, and has needed constant maintenance and restoration. Luckily, the local community is taking steps to keep it as beautiful as it was back in 1899. It is a symbol of pride and nationality.
The event featured a parade that included the Lehigh Castle No. 272, K.G.E. and the Allentown Band. Both groups played popular American tunes. While the paraders marched along Center Square, the police were on hand to maintain order. The streets were roped to allow the participants to position themselves in a showy fashion. At the end of the parade, the sculpture was unveiled by eight granddaughters of veterans. One of the granddaughters was Ruth Shelling, who fought in the Spanish War. The event was attended by representatives of the county and state and the United States.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Stone, who had come to Allentown for the occasion. After the ceremony, the Revised List of the Little Girls Who Unveil the Monument was published in The Allentown Leader. The Board of Control voted to make the event a holiday. Finally, the event was followed by the Reunion of the 47th, which gathered a large number of veterans. A grand parade of veterans marched up the streets of Allentown.
The Observation Tower is available for viewing from the Observation Level. Tours are offered on select dates each day. Tours are scheduled in one-hour blocks. Admission costs $3 and are a benefit to the exterior lighting project. Children under five can attend the tour for free if accompanied by an adult. There are limits to the number of children allowed on each tour. There are no restroom facilities inside the monument.