The soldier's monument, most often called "Victory," which stands on Merrimack Square in Manchester New Hampshire ...
was dedicated September 11, 1879. It was erected at a cost of about twenty-two thousand dollars [click on the photograph to see a larger view].
The corner-stone was laid May 30, 1878, under the auspices of Louis Bell Post, G.A.R. The style of the monument is modern Gothic, and the materials of which it is composed are New Hampshire granite and bronze. The design embodies the three-fold idea of a historical and a military monument and a fountain; and, in its cruciform base, includes a basin thirty feet in width, inclosed in a parapet of ornamental character. In the centre of each of the four projecting arms of the basin is a pedestal, on a line with the parapet, supporting each a bronze statue of heroic size, representing the principal divisions of service in the army and navy, namely, the infantry soldier, the cavalryman, artillery-man and sailor. Alternating in pairs between these figures are eight bronze posts for gas-lights, surmounted by our national emblem.
The column fifty feet in height rising from the center of the basin, is supported on a circular pedestal four feet in diameter, and is crowned with a capital richly carved with appropriate Gothic ornament; upon this is placed a colossal statue, in granite, eight feet in height, representing Victory with her mural crown, a shield lying at her feet, and holding a wreath and recumbent sword,--emblematic of triumph and peace. This figure, irrespective of the sentiment which it admirably conveys, is a fine work of art in its attitude, features and drapery. At the base of the column is placed a shield with the arms of the city; while above are displayed flags and weapons, the trophies
of war.
Surrounding the circular pedestal is a bronze relief, four feet in height, representing such incidents of recruiting, arming, parting from friends and marching, as tell, in a simple and effective manner, the meaning of the memorial. The base of the pedestal is octagonal in form, and on its west or front side, bears a bronze tablet, on which these words are inscribed,--
"IN HONOR OF
THE MEN OF MANCHESTER
WHO GAVE THEIR SERVICES
IN THE WAR WHICH
PRESERVED THE UNION OF THE STATES
AND
SECURED EQUAL RIGHTS TO ALL UNDER
THE CONSTITUTION
THIS MONUMENT IS BUILT
BY
A GRATEFUL CITY."
This inscription was prepared by Mr. H.W. Herrick, and was selected from the large number contributed by a committee of literary gentlemen appointed for that purpose. Above the bas-relief are twelve gargoyles attached to the cornice of the circular pedestal, and issuing from them are jets of water falling into the basin below. The four principal figures in bronze are works of artistic merit, and were modeled and cast expressly for this structure.
Janice
Information from: "History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire; Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885
P.S. The original source did not contain the name of the creator of this monument. It was designed by local sculptor and NH native, Lucien Hippolyte Gosselin.
