Sherman Park is the location of the Monument to this Civil War General. This site was chosen because he was reported to have stood on this spot while reviewing troops returning from the Civil War. He is best known for his ‘March to the sea’ which left much of Georgia in flames. He was greatly criticized for his ‘scorched earth’ policy and is considered by some historians to be the first modern General. His victory in Georgia, which culminated in the surrender of Savannah, helped seal Lincoln’s re-election. When Grant became President Sherman succeeded him as Commanding General of the Army. While the Commanding General of the Army he was responsible for the conduct of the Indian Wars.

As I was writing about Sherman I realized that in Sherman and Pulaski I had picked to historic generals that I had an odd connection with. I also noted that they have an odd connection with each other. In both cases that connection is the City of Savannah. Both generals had fought battles in Savannah, GA. Pulaski died in the course of battle while Sherman was able to avoid battle when the city surrendered for fear of meeting the same fate as Atlanta. My connection comes from my time in Graduate School at the Savannah College of Art and Design. My first apartment in Savannah was in-between Madison and Montery Squares. In Montery Square you will find a monument to General Pulaski, and just off of Madison Square, less then on block away you will find the Green-Meldrim Mansion which served as Sherman’s headquarters. Now in Washington DC you will find General Pulaski’s Monument on the NE Corner of Freedom Plaza, on the corner of Pennsylvania Ave N. and 13th Street. Two blocks away on the corner of Pennsylvania Ave S. and 15th Street is Sherman Park and his Monument. This proximity was the reason for these sites being my first two entries. I was able to photograph them on the same day due to their location. It wasn’t till I was writing the entry on Sherman that I realized the other connection.

This actually highlights the point of this project and blog. Monuments and Memorials to heros of the past can be found in every city and almost every town throughout the United States. Yet all to often they simply become part of the landscape. When I was young I thought The War Memorial was simply the arena were the Circus, Ice Shows and Rock Concerts took place. It wasn’t till I became a young man that I realized that ‘The War Memorial’ was not simply the name of the place but also its purpose. My hope is that this project help viewers remember these heros everyday and not just on holidays.