Historic Duluth Monument Shines Bright Once Again

Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps Finishes Work on Monument

Completed in 1919, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument was designed by architect Cass Gilbert.

Gilbert was known for design work of the St. Paul Capitol building, but also left his footprint right here in Duluth.

Friday, a special commemoration took place outside the Duluth City Hall.

It’s a project made possible by Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps. It was established om 2011 to integrate historic preservation services in to the lives of today’s youth, and preserve historic pieces in and around our great state.

Friday was a special day for many on the steps outside City Hall.

“So much democracy happens here at the base of this monument. If you are active in Duluth at all, you know that this is where people gather. They gather to celebrate, they gather to show frustration or fear, they gather to lift each other up and it’s meaningful that it’s right here in the civic center of our city center,” Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said.

Mayor Larson was just one of the guest speakers at Fridays exciting commemoration.

Minnesota Senator Roger Reinert, Representative Mary Murphy, Mary Matthews, Chair of the Duluth Public Arts Commission and Darryl Sannes with the Minnesota Civil War Commemorative task force also shared remarks.

The monument, now able to continue making memories and casting a bright bronze shine from its granite base.

“As a Minnesotan, this is a moment of pride, you know. Minnesota was the first state to volunteer troops in defense of the Union when the civil war broke out. That’s something most Minnesotans don’t know,” Senator Reinert said.

The monument’s restoration was made possible by a grant from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Back in 2008, Minnesotans voted yes on the amendment to give 3/8 of one penny to arts, culture, and historical use.