The Soldiers & Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis is a subject of many a photographer’s portfolio, as well it should be. A simple search for Soldiers & Sailors Monument or Monument Circle pulls up thousands of images. As a result, it’s difficult to create a unique image of a subject that has been extensively photographed. But what the hell? I thought I’d give it a shot.
A Bit of History
In 1888, the state held an international competition for the monument and selected German architect Bruno Schmitz as the designer. Schmitz had an excellent reputation in Germany but had never worked in the United States. Indiana was accustomed to taking artistic leads from Germans, who seemed to be involved in performing and visual arts in many Hoosier towns. For the winning design, Schmitz offered a remarkable Victorian confection, part Egyptian obelisk, part Romantic-era sculpture, part Neo-Baroque with cascading fountains and theatrical, stage-like groupings. Quarries in Owen County, Indiana provided the limestone. (source)
The Bigger The More Expensive
The limestone monument is quite massive, standing approximately 285 feet tall. Interestingly the obelisk is only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty. The monument was dedicated in 1902, and construction cost $598,318. It has been estimated that building a similar structure today would cost more than five hundred million dollars. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is Indiana’s official memorial to the Hoosiers that served in times of war. (source)
To learn how to take better night images, read my article 5 Reasons to Start Shooting Night Photography.
