Monument Square, Portland

Monument Square is a central plaza situated in downtown Portland. It is positioned between the East Bayside and Old Port neighborhoods. Notable buildings such as the Time and Temperature Building, Fidelity Trust Building, and the main branch of the Portland Public Library can be found on Congress Street, facing the square. Additionally, several other structures, including One Monument Square and One City Center, are located within the square.

At the heart of Monument Square stands the Portland Soldiers and Sailors Monument, situated on the former site of Portland's City Hall. Unveiled on October 28, 1891, this monument pays tribute to the courageous soldiers and sailors of the United States Army and Navy who lost their lives defending the country during the Civil War. Often referred to as "Our Lady of Victories," the monument features a bronze statue mounted on a granite base. The statue depicts a female figure symbolizing Victory, dressed in armor and flowing robes. She holds a furled flag in one hand and a mace and shield in the other. Bronze groups of three figures, representing soldiers and sailors, stand on two sides of the base.

Maine sculptor Franklin Simmons created the sculpture, while New York City architect Richard Morris Hunt designed the base. The original landscaping of the site, which has since been significantly modified, was the work of Portland architect Francis H. Fassett. Local fundraising efforts organized by the Grand Army of the Republic lodge made the creation of the monument possible. On April 1, 1998, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.