World War I began when a Serbian nationalist assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, in Sarajevo in June of 1914. The war would last until 1918. Due to technological advances in weaponry and the use of trench warfare, WWI saw levels of carnage and destruction that was above previous conflicts. By time the war was over more than 16 million people, soldiers and civilians alike, were dead. [1]
The WWI memorial, that is at the corner of 1st St. and North Grand Ave.West, is an obelisk that memorializes the 113 Sangamon County residents who died in World War I. [2] The four sides of the memorial each have separate lists. The front of the memorial says; World War I, Sangamon County Honor Roll, 1917-1919, Dedicated to those who lost their lives while in the service of their country, then goes onto begin the list of soldiers that served and died.
The corner of 1st St. and North Grand Ave.Springfield, IL 62702
Cost: Free
Hours: Daily
Historical tour of Springfield Il. 