SAVANNAH – The City of Savannah’s Park and Tree Department is set to reinstall the Spanish-American War Monument in Forsyth Park on Tuesday morning, July 15. This follows repairs made necessary by damage from a vehicle accident earlier this year.
The work will commence at 7 a.m., affecting vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Park Avenue and Bull Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes to avoid the area.
Restoration efforts were undertaken by Landmark Preservation in Savannah and The Inferno Art Foundry in Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, L&H Welding repaired the fencing around the monument, which will be reinstalled once the monument is secured.
Known as “The Hiker” or “Georgia Volunteer,” the monument was erected in 1931 to honor Georgians who served during the Spanish-American War. Savannah was chosen for its location due to its significant contribution of soldiers per capita compared to other cities in Georgia.
The statue stands eight feet, five inches tall and depicts an idealized American soldier in tropical gear. It rests on a base made of Georgia granite. Designed by sculptor Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson, one of three female members of the National Sculpture Society, it was originally cast in 1902 by Gorham Company in Rhode Island. Architect Cletus Bergen designed the base.
In 1946, a plaque was added to commemorate William Grayson, honoring him as the only southerner who served as commander-in-chief of the United Spanish War Veterans. Another plaque honors Stephen N. Harris.
