Memorial Hall (Rockford, Illinois)
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Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall
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| Location | 211–215 N. Main St., Rockford, Illinois |
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| Coordinates | 42°16′21″N 89°5′35″W / 42.27250°N 89.09306°W |
| Area | 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) |
| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Bradley & Carpenter |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP Reference # | 76000731 |
| Added to NRHP | January 31, 1976 |
Memorial Hall, also known as Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Veterans Memorial Hall, is located in Rockford, Illinois. It was built from 1901 to 1903, and originally was dedicated to those who served in the Civil War and the Spanish–American War. It is said to be the first of its kind in the United States. It is located on the west side of Rockford, one block from the Rock River, across the street from the Rockford Public Library, formerly the Carnegie Library. Although it was initially conceived to honor just those from Winnebago County, Illinois who served in the American Civil War, supporters added a listing of county Spanish–American War veterans before building was begun. Other Winnebago County veterans were later memorialized inside and outside the Hall. The Memorial is one of the few veteran's memorials that is not a monument. The building is administered by the Winnebago County Board and was dedicated on June 3, 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt.
This Memorial is a two story building with a basement. The Hall's west facade (front) and the east side facade are identical, except for the words 'Memorial Hall' and the year '1902' engraved on front of the building. The building functions as a museum and has rooms lined with 18 plaques containing the names of area individuals who served with the Union during the American Civil War. The plaques also list the names of those who died in the war. The second floor has an auditorium with a stage, and the basement has space for offices and storage. Offices for the Winnebago County Veterans Assistance Commission and the Winnebago County Veterans Association are located in the basement. All three floors are serviced by an elevator. On the building's east lawn sits a howitzer and it is located on the Blue Star Highway. A large flagpole graces the front entrance and a smaller flag pole is found in the rear.
The interior was elaborately painted with symbols and names associated with the Grand Army of the Republic and the Civil War. In the main hall, along the top of the walls, are listed the names of over 20 battles that involved citizens from Winnebago County.
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