FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2015

CONTACT: Jeff Mammenga, Media Coordinator, (605) 773-6000, Jeff.Mammenga@state.sd.us

Civil War Monument in Pierre to be rededicated June 1

PIERRE, S.D. – The Civil War Monument, located on the “triangle” east of Capitol Lake in Pierre, will be rededicated 95 years to the day after its original dedication on Monday, June 1, at 11 a.m. CDT.

The Capitol Complex Restoration and Beautification Commission approved various upgrades to the Civil War Monument site, including sidewalks, lighting, benches, landscaping and a flagpole.

Two interpretive signs highlighting the Civil War Monument itself and the history of the South Dakota Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) were installed at the monument site, with the help of the South Dakota State Historical Society.

The rededication event will consist of a re-enactment of the June 1, 1920, dedication ceremony, followed by a few remarks from Gov. Dennis Daugaard. Gov. Daugaard will read the statement made in June 1920 by then-Gov. Peter Norbeck. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Larry Zimmerman will read the remarks of National GAR Commander-In-Chief Daniel Hall of Columbus, Ohio. 

The Civil War Monument was the first war monument on the State Capitol grounds.

Editor’s Note: Photograph attached of the original dedication ceremony of the Civil War Monument on June 1, 1920. A rededication of the monument, 95 years to the day after its original dedication, will take place on Monday, June 1, at 11 a.m. CDT (Photo courtesy of South Dakota State Historical Society-Archives).

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The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education. The State Historical Society, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is headquartered at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call (605) 773-3458 or visit www.history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.