The Hillsdale College Liberty Walk: Heroes Of The Civil War
Written by Grace Canlas
Hillsdale College is committed to defending liberty by raising up educated citizens. The Liberty Walk seeks to cultivate informed patriotism, protecting freedom for the future generations of America. In a time when the nation’s history is subjected to ever-increasing attacks from distorted and dishonest narratives, the Liberty Walk stands as a reminder of America’s true heritage. The Hillsdale College Liberty Walk is a way to remember and honor the great leaders who have come before us and paved the way for freedom. This is part two of a three-part Liberty Walk series exploring the statues around Hillsdale’s campus. This second article features three distinguished figures of the Civil War Era: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and the Hillsdale College students who sacrificed their lives fighting for the Union.
Who: Abraham Lincoln
Location: East entrance of Kendall Hall
Sculptor: Hillsdale College Associate Professor of Art Anthony Frudakis
Date of Dedication: May 8, 2009
A gift to the students, staff, and faculty of Hillsdale College from Kurt and Ann Grindstaff.
Abraham Lincoln stands tall as one of America’s greatest heroes, even with his head pensively bowed, contemplating the cost of freedom. A young Union soldier marches before him, raising the Stars and Stripes, prepared to give all he has for the cause of freedom. Lincoln’s remarkable statesmanship successfully led the United States through what appeared to be an impossible test for the American experiment. Not only did Lincoln’s perseverance allow him to preserve the Union, but his prudence allowed him to pave the way for the abolition of slavery, accomplishing what the American Founders had long hoped and prayed for. Lincoln’s strong character and extensive understanding of America’s founding empowered him to pursue truth and defend liberty even in the face of a brutal Civil War. He stands as a reminder that America and her founding principles contained in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution are worth fighting for. However, he also reminds us that it is our duty to bear the weight of the sacrifice of freedom. Two Civil War veterans from Hillsdale College had the honor of helping carry Lincoln’s casket to its final resting place in Springfield, Illinois.
“I am exceedingly anxious that this Union, the Constitution, and the liberties of the people shall be perpetuated in accordance with the original idea for which that struggle was made, and I shall be most happy indeed if I shall be an humble instrument in the hands of the Almighty, and of this, his almost chosen people, for perpetuating the object of that great struggle.”
Abraham Lincoln
Speech to the New Jersey Senate
February 21, 1861
Who: Frederick Douglass
Location: West entrance of Lane Hall
Sculptor: Bruce Wolfe
Date of Dedication: May 12, 2017
With gratitude to Mr. James Nagy, in memory of his beloved Wanda Nagy, and Dr. and Mrs. Larry Arnn.
With a majestic stride and fierce demeanor, Frederick Douglass gazes with deep reverence at the young Union soldier who stands before him. He looks on with gratitude at the soldier who sacrificed his life on the bloody battlefield for the freedom of all men. Douglass himself fought hard for that same freedom in the public square, using his outstanding oratory and writing skills to advance the cause of abolition. He relentlessly pursued justice based upon his firm understanding of universal natural rights as presented in the Declaration of Independence. He leaves us an extraordinary legacy of loyalty to America and love for her founding principles. Douglass inspires us to pursue truth and defend liberty, regardless of the opposition or mainstream opinion. Frederick Douglass was a great friend of Hillsdale College, delivering his speech “Popular Error and Unpopular Truth” at the College in 1863. Hillsdale College welcomed him again in 1888.
“Neither law, learning, nor religion, is addressed to any man’s color or race. Science, education, the Word of God, and all the virtues known among men, are recommended to us, not as races, but as men. We are not recommended to love or hate any particular variety of the human family more than any other. Not as Ethiopians; not as Caucasians; not as Mongolians; not as Afro-Americans, or Anglo-Americans, are we addressed, but as men. God and nature speak to our manhood, and to our manhood alone. Here all ideas of duty and moral obligation are predicated.”
Frederick Douglass
“Blessings of Liberty and Education”
September 3, 1894
Who: Civil War Monument
Location: Between Lane and Kendall Halls
Sculptor: Lorado Taft
Date of Dedication: June 20, 1895
Commissioned by Hillsdale’s Alpha Kappa Phi Literary Society to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. In the summer of 2021, the Civil War Monument received a full restoration, spearheaded by the Class of 2021 as its senior gift.
Looking out upon the battlefield with a resolute gaze, a young Union soldier carries a broken flag with unwavering courage. This soldier atop the Civil War monument represents the over 400 Hillsdale students who answered President Lincoln’s call in 1861 for volunteers to fight in the Union army. Of these 400 Hillsdale students, three earned the Congressional Medal of Honor, three became generals, and multiple served as regimental commands. Sixty of these valiant soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice. Hillsdale College had a higher percentage of men fighting for the Union cause in the Civil War than any other western college. Here at Hillsdale College, the motto “Pursuing truth, defending liberty since 1844” is not just a nice phrase to stick on t-shirts and water bottles; it’s a testimony. The Civil War monument reminds us to pursue truth and defend liberty not only with word, but also with action. Founding principles such as self-goverance, moral virtue, and natural rights were taken to heart by these soldiers and believed to be worthy of defending with their lives. Over a century-and-a-half later, we continue to remember and solemnly boast of our boys who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and preservation of the Union. Because of that young Union soldier who carried the Stars and Stripes into battle and all the men who bravely served, we can proudly raise our American flag here on campus, singing in our hearts “land of the free and home of the brave.”
“I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”
Abraham Lincoln
Letter to Lydia Bixby
November 21, 1864
Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and the Hillsdale College students who sacrificed their lives fighting for the Union represent the American values of perseverance, justice, and liberty.
Hillsdale College seeks to honor their legacies and defend the freedoms they sacrificed so much to secure for posterity.
Grace Canlas, ’27, is a prospective English major and military history and strategy minor. When not studying in the library, she can be found practicing martial arts or laughing with her family and friends.
Published in July 2024