ANTI_FY_24_Preserve_IN_and_MD_State_Monuments__IN_State_Monument_Information_Sheet.docx

Indiana Monument Condition Assessment for 2024.

The Indiana State Monument is located at the northeast corner of the intersection of the old Hagerstown Pike and Cornfield Ave on the Antietam National Battlefield. The structure stands at 50 feet in height and is a granite stone obelisk design. It appears that the original joint work was lead throughout, much of which still exists above the base. The 35-foot obelisk tapers from 3 ft 6 to 2 ft 6 and rests on a 15 ft high base structure. This base is accessed by four step entranceways, one on each side and are centered. The entranceways are boarded by 2-foot-high sculpted conical rifle balls, twelve in all, which anchor a granite balustrade around the outer edge of a 22-foot promenade level. The entire monument is of light barre granite. Stone carvings adorn the western façade and consist of the word “Indiana” relief cut across the front and a band of stars carved into the base block. The bronze work consists of a round state seal and a 3ft x 3ft 8in plaque listing the units from Indiana that served at the September 1862 battle. The bronze is centered on the middle of the base block at the western, or front entranceway.

On May 24, 1909, the Indiana Antietam Monuments Commission was created. Shortly after, a 100 ft square land plot was chosen and purchased, and Mr. John M. Lowe of Indianapolis was hired to design the monument as well as five individual state regimental markers to be placed at relevant points around the field. The J.H. Forbes Granite Company of Chambersburg PA. was hired to construct the monument and markers. On September 17, 1910 the forty eighth anniversary of the battle of Antietam, the monument and markers were dedicated.

In the mid-1960s and again in the later 1980s, the monument was repaired and cleaned. This involved cleaning the stone, repairing the joints, and waxing the bronze. Since 1990, the monument’s granite has been washed and the bronze surfaces cleaned and waxed on an as needed basis.

Upon completion of a February 2024 inspection, these conditions were noted, substantial joint loss to the base portion of the structure. This includes step joints, base of promenade level, and balustrade. On the higher reaches of the obelisk can be seen spots of biological growth. There is age and weather staining throughout. The base and entranceways are in good shape considering the foot traffic common to this monument.

Current image of the Indiana State Monument. View looking east. 2/22/24

View looking east at west entranceway. Visible are promanade level base, ballustrade and joint patterns. 2/22/24.

Close up of the balustrades rifle ball shaped post. There are twelve of these, made of granite.2/22/24. The blocks that create the surface of the walkway. These large joints are open with traces of lead in places. 2/22/24.

The granite obelisk exhibits light to moderate lichen growth up the entire face, and on all four sides. 2/22/24.

View of west elevation showing carved stone and bronze features. Also note the base steps, often used as seats by visitors. 2/22/24.

Prepared by KC Kirkman, Exhibit Specialist, Resource Management Division, ANB.

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