Springfield  

 Sundial: 1121
State/Province:  Illinois Country:  USA
Dial Type:  Horizontal Dial Condition:  Excellent
  Latitude and Longitude: 39° 47.956' N  89° 39.295' W
Location:
  • Just north of the Illinois Capitol Building, halfway on the walkway from the Capitol to Monroe Street. The walkway is midway between Second Street and Spring Street. Note from 2023 to at least 2025 this area of the Capitol grounds has been under renovation. The dial may be in storage until construction work is finished. Coordinates are provided as of 2023 before work began.
 
Description:
  • This is a classic Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) sundial. It is a bronze, horizontal sundial approximately 24 inches (61cm) in diameter, with an ornate design of ovals at the exterior, sloping down to 30 inches in diameter. Hours are marked from 5am to 7pm in Roman numerals. Time is marked in quarter hours. The gnomon is solid with a simple under-curve. The whole dial rests on four upright pillars which sit on a circular bronze base. This is one of a series of bronze sundials presented by Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, dedicated to the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic.

    Note:Photo #3 seems to have the sundial pointed toward the Capitol, which is to its south. Hopefully the renovation of the the grounds and the installation of the GAR sundial will have it point to true North.

    "The bronze sundial was donated by the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War (DUVCW) and dedicated to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) on September 8, 1940. The U.S. Marine Band played for the more than 500 in attendance. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the DUVCW’s 50th annual national convention and the 74th GAR Encampment. The GAR was an advocacy group that supported voting rights for Black veterans, promoted patriotic education, and helped establish Memorial Day as a national holiday.... The GAR was formally dissolved in 1956 after the death of its last surviving member, Albert Woolson."
 
General Information:Inscription:
  • Owner: Sate of Illinois
  • "Lest We Forget"
    Dedicated to the
    Grand Army of the Republic
    By The
    National Organization
    Daughters of Union Veterans
    of the
    Civil War 1861-1865
    September 1940
  • Designer: Daughters of the Grand Army of the Republic
  • Builder: Daughters of the Grand Army of the Republic
  • Construction Date: Dedicated Sept 8, 1940
 
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Last Revised: 2025-0214 20:04