"North Adams sits at the Western Gateway of
the Commonwealth"
-Dr. John Bascom Williams College Prof., from 1855-1874.
North Adams, Massachusetts was first known for it's construction of the "Hoosac Tunnel" (from 1851-1875).
It is proudly displayed on the seal. The seal consists of an engraving of the western portal of the Hoosac Tunnel,
encircled with the declaration "WE HOLD THE WESTERN GATEWAY".
This region is rich with history before, during, and after the Hoosac Tunnel era. The areas' first inhabitants
were the Native American tribes Hoosac and Mahicans. There were also other tribes that would, from time to time, battle
over territory thus changing its' occupancy.
"The New England soldiers who marched down the Hoosac Pass caught only faint glimpses of
tasselled cornfields along the banks of the upper Hoosac, Between the second survey of "East Hoosuck Plantation" in October,
1749, and the settlement of the propriety thirteen years later. The Ashawagh meadows on the headwaters of the Hoosac
contain a buried forest. Hemlock logs have been unearthed about Kingsley Place near Cross Road, and several original
pines were felled on the site of "Slab City," now North Adams, which measured from 100 to 114 feet to the first limb."
("The Hoosac Valley: Its Legends and its History", by Grace Greylock Niles 1912)
European settlers divided the territory into towns. In this region there were West Hoosac and East Hoosac
(named after the river that flows through the area), Williamstown and Adams respectively. (Williamstown
named after Col. Ephraim Williams, Adams after Samuel Adams). Adams would later divide and become Adams and North
Adams in 1878. By 1895 North Adams had become incorporated as a city.
It seems the late 1800's were the most industrious and glorious times for this city, both aesthetically
and economically. In the book, "North Adams and Vicinity Illustrated", published 1897, the
city is described splendidly.
"The city spreads out in riotous irregularity, now climbing the hillsides, now nestling in
a ravine, and again almost hidden by projecting hills; in fact, from no point can the whole of North Adams be seen ... Taking
Monument Square as a starting point, the stranger looks down Main street, broad, newly paved, and bordered by substantial
buildings, mostly brick, many of which are handsome in style and decorations. Opening from it on both sides are other streets,
where homes are rapidly giving way to places of business. Everywhere are smooth concrete walks, and well paved gutters,
while the square itself is macadamized."
During the Civil War, the area became very active. It is written in "The Adams Transcript", July 4, 1878,
"The number of soldiers sent to the war was unusually large in proportion to the size of the town, and
yet the amount paid for bounties was smaller than that of almost any other town in the Commonwealth. The men for
the most part enlisted out of pure patriotism ... The local military company went into camp and training at once ...
public meetings were held and eloquent, patriotic speeches made, business was generally suspended, money was freely contributed
to equipment ... " A monument stands at the top of Main Street and bears the inscription "Presented
to the town of North Adams by the Ladies Soldiers Aid Society". The pedestal is brown freestone and on it stands
a marble statue representing a typical American soldier standing at "parade rest". The Soldiers'
Monument was designed and executed by Charles Niles Pike, the distinguished New England sculptor.
Funding for the monument was provided by the Ladies Soldiers Aid Society, C.P Sampson (shoe
manufacturer), George M. Mowbray (the English chemist who produced nitroglycerin for blasting through the
Hoosac Tunnel), and Sanford Blackington (Blackington woolin mills), and the love and labour of Charles
N. Pike who donated his services and bargained with material suppliers to reduce cost.
In time, neglect had swept over the memorial. "The "Soldier" lost
his iron fence and his nose.
Over the years, however, accidents would bring this "Invisible
Soldier" up to the foreground once again. In 1978 a car struck the monument,
on its' 100th anniversary year of its' dedication. Then in December of 1999 the city "Christmas tree,"
blown down by high winds, toppled the "Soldier". Both times we were very fortunate to have him repaired.
Mr. Carl Robare took on the project, both times, humbly stating, " It was something that was important to me."
Monument Square was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 19, 1972.
Dimensions:
Eleven feet high
Dedicated:
July 4, 1878 (Rededications: July 4, 1981, and September 29, 2000)
Type:
Brown Freestone pedestal and Marble figure
-A mention in The Adams Transcript, 1878
The placing of the statue on the pedestal of the monument last week was witnessed by a large body of lookers
on who were so taken with the ease of the operation, the statue being deposited by the windlass in its exact position,
that their approval found expression, on the initiative of Chief Marshal Montgomery, in most hearty and enthusiastic cheers
for Mr. Pike the sculptor, Mr. Leonard, the maker of the pedestal, and the Ladies' Aid Society, the donors of the monument.
THE MONUMENT
The monument which was so appropriately dedicated yesterday (July 4, 1878) has been variously criticised,
and while there are those who complain because it did not cost more money, and consequently consider it unworthy a town the
size and importance of North Adams, everybody admits its' beauty and simplicity and admires the art and skill displayed
in its construction. The contrast between the statue and the pedestal is marked and pleasing, giving a rich effect to
the whole, and the proportions could hardly have been bettered. The monument, in its central and prominent position,
is a beautiful ornament to the town and a fitting emblem of the gratitude of the people towards the heroes who fell in defence
of their country. The statue has been carved from a block of the purest Sicilian marble, and has finished a delicately
soft, grey white. It represents the typical American soldier, wearing all his accountrements and standing in the position
known as "parade rest." The beholder is at once impressed with the manliness, simplicity and fidelity to ideal
of the figure. It represents that class of the Massachusetts soldiery distinguished for their intelligence, honor and
bravery - men, who, while fitted in every respect for positions of importance and trust, and to adorn any walk in life, yet
for the sake of principle and out for pure patriotism sacrificed the comfort of home and all their bright prospects to risk
the dangers and endure the hardships of the common soldier. The face wearing a saddened expression, as though the soldier
were mournfully viewing the graves of his fallen comrades, is full of sympathy, and denotes a thoughtful, intelligent and
educated man, and a strong and resolute nature. The position of the figure is a natural and correct one and everything
about it is true in all the details from the beard and moustache upon the manly face and the wavy hair swept back at each
side of the army overcoat. On account of its elevated position there was no necessity, perhaps, for the nicety with
which every part of the statue has been brought out, but Mr. Pike has attended to the minuteest points with a fidelity and
skill that would be creditable were the work to be placed in an art gallery for inspection and criticism. This will
be seen in such little matters as the buckles and rivets upon the cap and cartridge boxes and the relief given to details
about the musket, bayonet and belt. The statue must elicit praise for the rarely skillful and faithful work of the artist
as well as admiration for the truthful conception and marked simplicity of the model. Two or three facts connected with this
subject will be of interest here: The model was designed and made by George E. Bissell of Poughkeepsie NY., a former
pupil of Mr. Pike. The original statue by Mr. Bissell has undergone many changes in Mr. Pike's work all of them being
noticeable improvements. The block from which the statue is carved weighed 7,000 pounds, and was probably the finest
piece of Sicilian marble ever seen in this vicinity. The pedestal is of elegant brown freestone, the same as that in
the Williamstown monument, and is eleven feet high, the distance from the soldier's cap to the bottom of the lower base being
about 18 feet. The lower base is 5 feet 10 inches square and 2 feet thick, the second or sub-base 6 feet 6 inches square
and 1 1/2 feet thick, the "die" (in three sections) 5 feet 6 inches long and 3 feet square at base, and 2 feet 11 inches at
top, and the "cap" 4 feet 4 inches square and 1 1/2 feet thick. On the face of the middle section of the die is carved
in bold relief the national shield ornamented with a laurel branch and bearing the dates 1861 and 1865 and this inscription:
"Presented to the town of North Adams by the Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society." It is hoped that some time on the other
three sides of the die, as was originally intended, there will be engraved a list of the Adams soldiers who lost their lives
in the war. It is also intended to enclose and ornament the ground around the monument.
-Reprinted from The Adams Transcript, July 1878
A CARD OF THANKS.
The Ladies of the Soldiers' Aid Society would tender their thanks to the chief marshal, W. W. Montgomery,
for his untiring efforts in their behalf, and would congratulate him upon the skill which could arrange and carry into successful
execution such a military display as that of the 4th instant. They would thank also his adjutant and aids, who admirably
seconded all his efforts. To all the companies they would return thanks for their gentlemanly deportment, and to the
bands for their spirited and touching music. To the speakers of the occasion they would render thanks for the many complimentary
words they spoke of the ladies, and for the brave utterances for country and duty. To the president of the day they
would return thanks for his courteous attentions and for the graceful performance of his duties. To the housekeepers
they would speak their thanks for their bounty in providing so largely for the day, as after feeding more than a thousand
the provisions would feed a thousand more. T the young men who served us so faithfully in collecting the food and in
waiting upon the tables all the day; to the gentlemen and ladies who bore the burden and heat of the day for us in the hall;
to W. W. Freeman for his generous loaning of cloth to cover the numerous tables; to the committees who performed their
duties so faithfully; to Company C. who loaned us the use of their hall; to Mr. Marsh and others who so finely decoratedit;
to John H. Orr for providing 1,000 quarts of coffee; to the town for so generously entering into the expenses of the day;
to the police for the fine order and quiet of the occasion, and to the thousands of people who though crowded yet orderly;
to each and all we would return our heartfelt thanks.
To the artist, Mr. C. Niles Pike, the ladies would express their warmest thanks for the monument which he
has erected for them; selecting the best of material and executing his work in the finest manner. The money which they
pay him is no adequate compensation, but it was all they had, and he accepted it for the love of his work and because he wished
his native town to possess a soldiers' monument. We hope the gentlemen of the town will express their approval, not
by compliments to the ladies, but in a more satisfactory manner to Mr. Pike. And lastly, to the good God who tempered
the heat of the day so that we were able to endure and enjoy it.
Mrs. James T. Robinson, in behalf of the Ladies' Aid Society.
