Granby Was First Connecticut Town To Erect Soldiers' Monument

The first Civil War statue erected in the State of Connecticut stands on the green in Granby Center. The brownstone monument was contracted with James G. Batterson of Hartford and was ultimately dedicated on July 4th, 1868.

The figure was actually sculpted by Charles Conrads (1839 - 1920), who was Batterson's lead man at his Main Street shop. The somber monument features a contemplative, bearded soldier holding a rifle while his overcoat is draped over his shoulders.

The statue's pedestal is presumed to be designed by George Keller who joined the firm in 1865. Keller later went on to create the famous Soldiers and Sailors Arch at Bushnell Park in Hartford and the Soldiers National Monument at Gettysburg, PA.

It seems that after the Civil War, Granby residents wished to honor the memory of their brave husbands and sons who answered their country's call to fight and die on a distant battlefield. Money was raised by subscription, either as gifts or by activities.  

The dedication on the front (south) face reads, “This monument is erected by voluntary contributions in commemoration of the brave men from the town of Granby who laid down their lives for the Union in the War of the Great Rebellion. Erected July 4, 1868.”

Other inscriptions include the names of men who were held at the Confederate prisoner of war camp in Andersonville, GA;  a list that honors the lost at the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Cold Harbor, VA. 

A biblical verse is etched on each of the four sides of the monument base, including an inscription on the south side which reads, “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more" and on the north side, “Death is swallowed up in victory,” from Paul's letter to the Corinthians.

The Fourth of July dedication in 1868 was a big celebration and event for the Town of Granby. In addition to the program, the Committee of Arrangements for the Dedication included: Toasts, Preparing the Grounds, Clam Bake, Tables, Strawberries, Ice Cream, Lemonade, Flowers, Candies and Solicitors for Tables and Purveyors.

Over the years, the "cross cut" brownstone suffered from erosion due to weather and sunlight. By the late 1940s the musket, which had been deteriorating, disappeared completely. In 1950, Miss Lizzie Clark, the daughter of a Civil War veteran, had the monument cleaned in memory of her dear father who loved looking toward the park and that magnificent old statue.

By the early part of the 21st century, the condition of the revered statue had deteriorated to the point where it came to the attention of Carol Laun, curator of the Salmon Brook Historical Society. She asked the American Legion to help save the monument.

Laun chaired the committee, did the publicity for fundraising, made speeches for donations, etc., yet she insisted "the American Legion guys did all the work of researching, interviewing and getting the work done".

The committee was made up with Karl Van Valkenburgh, Jerry Dickerson and Jim Hall.  The Legion also gave the proceeds of their annual pancake breakfast to the monument fund. In what has become typical for the people of this community, more money was raised than was needed and the extra contributions were appropriately used to beautify and landscape the base of the monument, as well as additional funds to open an account for future maintenance. This account is managed by the American Legion.

 As a point of interest, J. G. Batterson’s firm also provided a nearly identical monument located on Old Main Street in Deerfield, MA.

As spring arrives this year, drop by the Granby Green with the floral in full bloom and admire our venerable old friend.

CT Monuments Listing

1867 Monument - Deerfield MA