The Illinois State Monument is located on Orchard Knob and commemorates the contributions of Illinois soldiers during the American Civil War, particularly in the battles surrounding Chattanooga in 1863. Erected on the historic site of Orchard Knob, which served as a key Union command post during the Chattanooga Campaign, the monument honors the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought to secure this strategic point.
The Illinois State Monument was constructed from Quincy Granite, which is primarily found near Quincy, Massachusetts (just outside of Boston). Quincy Granite formed around 300 million years ago during the Late Carboniferous period as part of the larger Cape Ann Complex in eastern Massachusetts. The formation began when magma from deep within the Earth's mantle intruded into the overlying crustal rocks. As the magma slowly cooled and crystallized beneath the surface, large mineral crystals gradually developed. Additionally, the intrusion of the magma likely caused localized melting and assimilation of surrounding rocks, which contributed to variations in its composition and appearance. The stone is particularly notable for its light gray to bluish-gray color, and its durability and resistance to weathering made it an ideal material for construction and monumental architecture in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Logging Requirements:
- Describe the color, texture, and grain size of the Quincy Granite.
- Does the color and overall appearance appear mostly consistent, or are there slight variations? Do you think the darker colored columns on the exterior of the monument were also constructed from Quincy Granite, or that a different stone was used? Explain your answer.
- Upload a photo with the Illinois State Monument. You don't have to be in the photo, though it is strongly encouraged.
Sources:
- https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=81806