On Memorial Day morning, community members gathered at Monument Park in Aledo for the dedication of new interpretive panels honoring the city’s historic Soldier and Sailor’s Monument. The panels aim to educate visitors about Mercer County’s role in the Civil War and celebrate the enduring legacy of those who served.
Kate Danner, Chair of the Aledo Historic Preservation Commission, has been at the heart of the project.
“The committee and I have put together some educational signs,” Danner said. “I think a lot of times when people drive by Monument Park, they don’t really know what it is…people from my generation are like, ‘Weren’t there cannons there?’ We want to talk about the importance of those from the Civil War and how Mercer County played a role.”
The effort to restore and enhance the monument began in 2017, with the city and volunteers working steadily to raise funds and complete restoration projects. That included replacing portions of the statue with new marble, performing detailed tuckpointing, and laying concrete pathways for accessibility.
“We did a lot of restoration work, and then kind of the final touch was putting the time into these educational signs to, again, talk about the rich history our community has,” Danner said.
Aledo Mayor Chris Hagloch has praised the commission for its dedication over the years, emphasizing that even with a modest city budget, the group found creative ways to preserve and share an important piece of local history.
The new signage now surrounds the statue, inviting residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect, and learn more about Aledo’s ties to the nation’s past.