The history of Wapello County is filled with stories of courage, sacrifice and service. Among the most significant chapters is the Civil War, when men from Ottumwa and surrounding communities left their homes and families to fight for the Union.
When the Civil War began in 1861, Iowa answered the call for soldiers. Wapello County men joined the ranks, leaving behind farms, businesses and loved ones to serve their country. Some returned home after the war, while others lost their lives and never had the opportunity to reunite with their families.
Today, one of the most visible reminders of their service stands in Ottumwa’s Central Park.
The Wapello County Soldiers Monument, dedicated in 1919, stands approximately 25 feet tall. Designed by Swedish immigrant and sculptor David Edstrom, the monument features four memorial panels and a bronze eagle overlooking the community.
One of its panels preserves the names of more than 2,000 soldiers and sailors connected to the region, providing a lasting tribute to those who served.
Another notable figure connected to Ottumwa’s Civil War history is Leonidas Godley, a Medal of Honor recipient recognized for his actions during the Siege of Vicksburg.
Beyond the monument, local cemeteries throughout Wapello County hold the final resting places of Civil War veterans and generations of military servicemen and women. Each headstone represents a life, a family and a story connected to America’s military history.
More than a century and a half after the Civil War, these reminders encourage residents to look beyond the dates and battles found in history books and remember the individuals who answered the call to serve.
Their names remain part of Wapello County’s story, and their sacrifices deserve to be remembered by future generations.
