Moments Project – Defenders of the Union
The “Defenders of the Union” Civil War monument is a 20-ton block of Dummerston granite. In 1906 the monument was dedicated during a well-attended ceremony. At the time, this site was part of the Valley Fairground. However, from 1861 through 1865 this land hosted a Civil War U.S. military camp and hospital.
The large granite block has bronze plaques on both sides. Facing south is text compiled by Vermont historian George Benedict. Ten Vermont regiments who mustered in at the military camp are listed. On the north side are two bronze reliefs depicting a new soldier mustering into service; and the same soldier celebrating his mustering out at the end of the war. These reliefs were created by sculptor Allen George Newman.
During the Civil War, local farmer Frederick Holbrook served as Vt. Governor. He wrote that almost 40% of the Vermont soldiers who joined the Union effort were placed into regiments and trained on this site.
Brattleboro Historical Society-
