Soon after the close of the Civil War, a number of citizens of Marion formed a Soldiers and Sailors Monumental Association. The association's object was to raise funds for the construction of a suitable monument to perpetuate the memory of the brave men, who in the hour of our country's danger, protected the country and flag they loved so well.
After much discouragement and finding that sufficient funds could not be raised, they resorted to taxation. A bill was introduced into the Legislature and quickly passed, authorizing the Marion County Commissioners to levy a tax of one mill. This, in time, furnished ample means to build the monument. The Monumental Association, decided to construct the monument on land donated by the Marion Cemetery Association.
After much discouragement and finding that sufficient funds could not be raised, they resorted to taxation. A bill was introduced into the Legislature and quickly passed, authorizing the Marion County Commissioners to levy a tax of one mill. This, in time, furnished ample means to build the monument. The Monumental Association, decided to construct the monument on land donated by the Marion Cemetery Association.