How We Got The Civil War Monument: History Center Archives

FRAMINGHAM, MA—It is recorded that after the Civil War, when the people of Framingham desired to erect a memorial to their soldiers, they found they could buy the present monument for thirty-five hundred dollars. Of this amount, five hundred dollars came easily; then donations lagged. A delegation contacted George Phipps in the old B. & A. depot – he was bound for St. Louis. They explained their position, spoke of the need of funds, and emphasized the beauty of the memorial. George Phipps listened patiently and then reached for his wallet, from which he counted out and handed to the speaker three thousand dollars, saying “Here’s your money, now buy your ‘dumb’ graven image!” And that’s how Framingham got its Civil War Memorial.

Article is from Framingham History Center, used with permission.

Photo via Framingham History Center