Welcome to the Oneida Veterans Memorial
Civil War
About the War: The civil war was fought in 1861-1865 between the United States (the "Union" or the "North") and several southern slave states that declared their secession and formed the Confederate States of America (the "Confederacy" or the "South"). The war had its origin in the issue of slavery, especially the extension of slavery into the western territories. After four years of bloody combat that left over 600,000 soldiers dead and destroyed much of the South's infrastructure, the Confederacy collapsed, slavery was abolished, and the difficult reconstruction process of restoring national unity and guaranteeing rights to the freed slaves began.
Oneidas in the Civil War
In spite of the oppression many Native Americans suffered, Native American men stood with the United States to fight against slavery. Although the war began in 1861, the Oneidas did not participate until 1863. There were not enough volunteers to fight in the war so President Lincoln allowed a bonus of $300 per person. The Oneidas were not citizens of the United States and could not be drafted. Many non-Oneida men who were drafted offered Oneida men the $300 bonus if the Oneida man took their place. About 1/10th of the Oneida population between the ages of 17 - 45 served in the war. Fathers and sons both enlisted and women were left at home to do the farming.
The Significant Parts of the Wall
Oneida Wampum Belt (Diamond belt shown above)
This belt is the inspiration for the back of the wall. The original wampum belt was made by the Oneidas and each diamond represents one of the 6 nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. On the wall we have 50 diamonds to represent the 50 chiefs of the Iroquois Confederacy.
The Eagle
The eagle is sacred not only to the Oneida, but of all Indian country. The eagle flies the highest of all birds and forever keeps a watchful and protective eye over them. It's a symbol that represents a philosophy of the Oneida which incorporates the sentiment that everything that is said and done today will have impact on the next seven generations.
Stainless Steel Plate
To leave items of remembrance.
Perforated Plate
Under each granite slab are plates that are 12 inches long to respresent one year of war.
Colored Concrete Wall
Signifies permenance while serving as a timeline of every war since the American Revolution. The small holes in the wall respresent the imperfections of war.
Concrete Pavers
Pattern on pavers siginifies eagle feathers.
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