Restoration continues on VNMP’s Illinois Monument

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Restoration work continues on the Vicksburg National Military Park’s Illinois Monument, one of the park’s most recognizable and treasured memorials. While the monument remains
closed to visitors during construction, significant progress has been made toward preserving this landmark for future generations.

Contractors have finished approximately 95 percent of the exterior cleaning and tuck-pointing work, an important step in protecting the monument’s masonry and addressing years of weathering. Attention is now
turning to the final phases of the restoration, including the installation of upgraded lightning protection and the conservation of the monument’s bronze elements.

Project managers are currently reviewing plans for the lightning protection system, with proposed adjustments that would replace copper fittings with an aluminized finish. This change would better match the monument’s appearance while helping reduce staining caused by patina runoff over time.

Though temporarily inaccessible, the Illinois Monument is steadily moving closer to reopening. The ongoing restoration will help ensure that this iconic memorial continues to honor the service and sacrifice of Illinois soldiers for decades to come.