Peoria County World War I & II Veterans Memorial

Peoria, Illinois

The First [World] War explains the second and, in fact, caused it, in so far as one event causes another. (A.J.P.Taylor)

From the historical perspective of many decades, we can begin to understand the essential relationship between the two world wars of the twentieth century. It is therefore fitting that Peoria County has envisioned a single project to commemorate both wars. The Memorial features three similar white granite columns in two groups to represent the roman numerals “I” and “II.” The columns are supported on black granite plinths. The plinths act as “cenotaphs”, or empty tombs, inscribed with the names of the county veterans who lost their lives in the wars. The memorial honors the 28,000 men and women from Peoria County who served during World Wars I & II.

The memorial is sited on the northeast corner of the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza. Opposite the site, on the southeast corner, stands the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, dedicated in 1896 to veterans of the Civil War. The alignment of both projects along the east corners of the plaza form a historic continuity of monuments commemorating significant 19th and 20th century events. The low limestone retaining walls of the plaza are continued into this square and wrap around the memorial, becoming an integral part of the urban open space developed in the courthouse block.