Mitchell - Civil War Memorial and Cannon GPS Coordinates: 43.315316 by -92.870133

This is a 12 foot obelisk memorial in Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell. The only inscriptions are "WRC" and "GAR." It is covered with stucco type material. The cannon is a 105mm Howitzer M102, numbered 968, and dated 3-1973. It is on the SW side of town. Coming into town from the south, watch for the sign to the cemetery about two blocks after passing the turn off to the Mitchell Dam Campground. Coming into town from the east, go through town and look for the sign to the cemetery on Ellicott Street. The monument is about 75 yards into the cemetery on the left side. The first two photos were taken 6/2/21 and the cannon photo 3/27/09. Thanks to Don Gage for information and directions to this monument. Also to Don Barker for correct identification of the cannon.

Osage - Civil War Monument and Cannons GPS Coordinates: 43.294083 by -92.821750

These are 30 pounder 4.2 inch Army Parrott rifles. They were manufactured at the West Point Foundry in 1862. They are in great condition with clear markings. There are also 5 cannonballs on display. This is an outstanding setting on the far north side of Osage Cemetery. There is also a monument to the "Unknown Dead 1861 - 1865." The cemetery is in the NW part of town - take N 3rd Street to the cemetery. Photos taken 5/4/08 and 6/2/21.

Don Gage reports that he has fired the cannons on every Memorial Day weekend since 2000, the first time they had been fired in 75 years. Previously they were fired at 5:00 A.M. on July 4 every year. Don also reports that the planter between the cannons is an inverted brass bell that would sound an alarm in the city until 1910 when it was included as part of the monument by the WRC. Thanks to Danny Krock for the spectacular photo of the firing at dusk on the Saturday before Memorial Day on 5/29/10.

St. Ansgar - Claus Clausen Plaque GPS Coordinates: 43.379716 by -92.923450

Rev. Clausen was a noted Norwegian Lutheran theologian and a prominent citizen of St. Ansgar. He was also a chaplain of the 15th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, known as the Scandinavian Regiment. It was said he was very popular with the soldiers in the regiment. The plaque is located on the south side of Clausen City Park near playground equipment. Photos taken 6/2/21.