Evidence

On page 425 in the second volume of Col. Charles Edward Banks’ History Of York Maine, Banks tells us that: “A Grand Army (Of The Republic) Post was not established in town for the reason that there were not sufficient veterans of the Civil War to permit such an organization.” However, in 1897, 37 veterans and 15 sons of veterans formed the York, Maine Veterans and Sons of Veterans Association. In 1905 that association formed a committee and called it The York Maine Soldiers’ Monument Committee. - From The Soldiers' Monument by Michael Dow, 2018

Spanish American War, M1898 Campaign Hat

C.2018 Michael Dow

This version of the campaign hat, with a crease running from front to back on the crown, was worn by US Army troops during the Spanish–American War. The oval on the front of the crown would have been the branch insignia and sometimes a unit number and company letter. Branch insignia would have been crossed swords for cavalry, crossed rifles for infantry, crossed cannon for artillery. These insignias can be seen carved in relief on the top or third base of the monument. - From The Soldiers' Monument by Michael Dow, 2018

Belt buckle

C.2018 Michael Dow

"USA Belt buckle that was part of the proper US Army uniform during the 1899-1901 period of time" - Luthor Hanson US Army Quartermaster Museum- From The Soldiers' Monument by Michael Dow, 2018

Haversack and Bedroll

C.2018 Michael Dow

Haversacks were used to carry the soldier’s rations. Also pictured to the left of the haversack is his bayonet scabbard with the bayonet’s socket up under his inside left elbow. The bed roll has nice detail. - From The Soldiers' Monument by Michael Dow, 2018

Soldiers' Monument Musket

C.2018 Michael Dow
The statue’s rifle is a cap ignition, muzzle loading musket used by state militia until the 1904 Springfield became popular. According to Luthor Hanson, Curator of the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum, “they were still being used in the Spanish-American War, but not much.” - From The Soldiers' Monument by Michael Dow, 2018

Primer Cap Box and Belt Buckle

C.2018 Michael Dow

The artists that carved York’s Spanish-American War Soldier chose fine textured, Westerly Rhode Island granite for its ability to hold fine detail. They also chose to equip him with a percussion cap model of Springfield rifle. The percussion caps were carried in a primer cap box which they sculptured on his right front side. In this picture we also clearly see the first and last letters of the USA belt buckle.- From The Soldiers' Monument by Michael Dow, 2018 

Quartermaster Letter

From The Soldiers' Monument by Michael Dow, 2018