Mattoon Civil War Memorial Ellipse

The Mattoon Civil War Memorial Ellipse is a 3-phase, historic preservation initiative addressing Mattoon’s Civil War military context. The Ellipse site overlooks the location of Mattoon’s Civil War-era Camp Grant, which functioned as a Union muster camp for Illinois infantry regiments from 1861-1865. In May of 1861, then Illinois recruitment and training officer Captain U.S. Grant performed some of his first Civil War duties at this locale. The location of the Ellipse can be found at Mattoon Roundhouse Complex, near the intersection of N. First Division Street and Shelby Avenue. In addition to preserving Mattoon’s Civil War history, it will provide an opportunity for Tourism Officials to integrate local Civil War history within Tourism’s strategic planning and promotional initiatives. Local school districts can take advantage of integrating our local history by visiting the site.

Phase I was completed and a dedication ceremony took place on March 29th, 2014. Mayor Tim Gover, Brigadier General Richard Hayes, Jr., Assistant Adjutant General-Army Illinois National Guard, and Congressman John Shimkus were guest speakers to assist in commemorating the Memorial. Phase II and III have an anticipated completion date of late summer, 2015.

Phase 1 – Artist’s rendition (left); Mayor Tim Gover, Brigadier General Richard Hayes, Jr., Congressman John Shimkus, Steve Thompson

Phase II will include site grading, Ellipse concrete pathways, granite regimental markers, granite U.S. Grant Marker, organic landscaping (ornamental trees & prairie grasses), site ID marker, and a flagpole with internal halyard and solar lighting.

Phase III, The Last Sentry Monument, a 13′ bronze Union Infantryman, will be designed and erected through the combined efforts of sculptor Roy W. Butler and Adams Memorials of Mattoon.

Phase III – Artist’s Rendition (left) – Bronze Monument sculpted by Roy W. Butler