The Mooretown Civil War Monument

Conducted by Kate McFadden, AmeriCorps Civil War 150 Leadership Corps member for Eastern Ohio

Mooretown Civil War Monument (Photo Credit)

Monuments honoring the Civil War and those who sacrificed to defend their country can be found all over Ohio. Many hold a very special place in the hearts of their communities. In Jefferson County, Ohio, the same can be said for the Mooretown Civil War Monument. It is very special piece of history for those raised and living in the community, or can trace their family ancestors through the monument. Erected shortly after the war to honor those who left the area to join the military, the monument has stood through the years as a place to remember loved ones.

Virginia Glenn is a member of the Mooretown Restoration Committee fighting hard to keep the monument standing and in good condition. The group is working to educate the community on the importance of the monument and to remember the impact the Civil War had on their community.

Kate McFadden: What is the history behind the monument?

Virginia Glenn: The son of Robert and Martha George, two members of our Mooretown community, was killed on October 8th, 1862 at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. The monument was erected to honor this soldier, as well as other men from Ross Township who went to war to defend their home county and.

30 year Veterans Reunion in 1897. Virginia's Great Grandfather John Boyd; a private in the 40th OVI is on the right. Two of her great uncles are also in the photo. Courtesy of Virginia Glenn

KM: When was the monument erected?

VG: The Mooretown Civil War Memorial was erected in 1871, and placed in a park, with a cannon for salute.

KM: What are some unique parts of the monument?

VG: There monument contains a sandstone obelisk, which was carved from the hillsides close by, near the same place where the soldiers on the monument grew up.

KM: Why is this monument important to the area?

VG: Many of us remember visiting the Mooretown Monument over the years. Older folks tell us about Memorial Day ceremonies when they watched parades and got to see and hear the cannon being fired. Most community members remember climbing up and down the fifty-six steps leading to the monument. Over the years, people have always returned to their roots. The Mooretown Monument stands as a beacon for all of us to honor not only our soldiers, but all of our ancestors. It is an important part of our heritage and our ancestry.

KM: What is being done to preserve the monument?

VG: The Mooretown Restoration Committee was formed in 2010 to begin the restoration and preservation of this local symbol. The monument is old and steps need to be taken to correctly preserve it. The twenty-one foot high Doric column, base and name stone supporting it need to be accessed and reconditioned. The handicap access road and parking lot need to be contoured and finished with a slag foundation. The cannon is currently being sandblasted and painted to be reset on a new foundation. The final steps should be completed by 2012, just in time for the Jefferson County Tour. We are pleased with the response from our community as we try to preserve such an important piece of history.

Volunteers at Mooretown Monument. Courtesy of Virginia Glenn.

KM: In what ways is the monument being worked into the Civil War 150 Anniversary Commemoration?

VG: Two events are currently in the works that will include the Mooretown Monument: a Memorial Day ceremony for May 30, 2011, and the Jefferson County Tour in 2012. We are working media and public awareness avenues to spread the word about these events. My husband Glenn and I, as members of the restoration committee, have several speaking engagements planned to talk about the monument and about our reprinted book, Tales and Stories of Yellow Creek, where information about the Mooretown Monument is included.

KM: Where can someone find more information about the Mooretown Monument?

VG: Those who are interested in reading more about the Mooretown Monument can research at the Schiappa Branch of the Jefferson County Library, The Ohio Room.  You can also read Caldwell’s History of Jefferson and Belmont Counties; Ross Township, Doyle’s History of Jefferson County 1910 and The Bergholz Story by Marianne Featheringham published in 1976.

The Glenns, and many others are doing a wonderful job including the Mooretown Monument into the Ohio Civil War 150 Commemoration and are striving to complete the monument’s preservation and restoration.

For more information about how you can support this project, gather more materials to research or attend events contact Curt and Virginia Glenn at glenn.owltownfarm@gmail.com 740-768-2365. The monument can be found on County Road 53 in Mooretown, OH (also known as Pravo), Crossroad 53&54, 4 miles east of State Route 164 in Bergholz, OH.