The Soldiers’ Monument in York, Maine, stands as a tribute to the town’s sons who served in the Army and Navy. Yet, a persistent piece of local folklore claims the statue atop this monument is not what it seems. The tale suggests a comical mix-up: York supposedly received a statue dressed in a Confederate Soldiers Uniform due to a shipping error, while their intended Union soldier statue was mistakenly sent south. This story, passed down through generations and even finding its way into published works and online platforms, adds an intriguing layer to the monument’s history. But how much truth lies behind this captivating narrative?
Separating Fact from Fiction: Examining the Evidence
A closer look at the monument itself begins to dismantle this myth. Engraved on the central polished section, the inscription clearly states: “Erected in 1906 To Sons of York who served their country in Army and Navy for preservation of the Union.” For believers of the folklore, this inscription is simply brushed aside as further evidence of the mix-up – a case of the wrong statue placed on the intended monument. However, historical accounts and expert opinions offer a different perspective.
Col. Charles Edward Banks (1854-1931), York’s esteemed historian, provides crucial insight in his History Of York Maine. Banks, writing in his two-volume set, clarifies the monument’s true representation: “As visible evidence of the town’s grateful appreciation of the services of her sons on the field of battle, and the service of the survivors, a handsome monument to their memory graces the Town Square, surmounted by a statue of a soldier shown in the uniform with the accoutrements of the Army of the Union.” Banks, a contemporary of the monument’s creation, directly states that the statue is indeed depicted in a Union Army uniform.
The Context of the Era: Military Uniforms Around 1905
To fully understand the intended depiction, it’s essential to consider the historical context of 1905, when the York Village Association of Veterans and Sons of Veterans commissioned the Soldiers’ Monument. These Civil War veterans were not only witnesses to the nation’s defining conflict but had also just experienced the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, and the Boxer Rebellion. They were intimately familiar with American military uniforms of various periods. Their desire for this monument was to honor the service of York’s sons across conflicts, and they chose a figure embodying the quintessential American soldier. The idea that they would unknowingly or accidentally erect a monument featuring a confederate soldiers uniform seems improbable, especially given their veteran status and clear intention to honor service in the “preservation of the Union.”
While the folklore of a confederate soldiers uniform adorning the York monument persists as a charming local anecdote, historical evidence and expert testimony firmly point to a different reality. The statue stands as intended: a representation of a Union soldier, honoring the service of York’s sons in defense of the nation. The enduring myth, however, serves as a reminder of how easily stories can take root and evolve, even in the face of factual evidence. It encourages us to delve deeper, question narratives, and seek out the historical truths behind the monuments and stories that shape our communities.
