Bentonsport - General Sullivan Ross Plaque - GPS Coordinates: 40.725533 by -91.854366

A Confederate general from Iowa? Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross was born in Bentonsport, Iowa in 1838. This monument was dedicated in 2007. See the photo of the plaque below for historic information. The monument is in the city park on the river in historic Bentonsport. Photos taken 10/28/07.

Keosauqua - GAR Park Monument and Cannons - GPS Coordinates: 40.732650 by -91.963550

There is an 18 foot limestone monument with about 320 names of Civil War Veterans engraved on the four sides of the monument. Above the soldier inscription is an emblem with "Our Patriot Dead." There were several limestone quarries in the region and it is believed this is a local stone. It appears the monument was erected soon after the war. There are also four Civil War cannons, a World War I cannon and a granite monument honoring all veterans erected by the VFW in 2003. GAR Park is located just west of the courthouse on Highway 1. The photo of the monument and west panel soldier inscription were taken 8/21/20. The photos of the cannons were taken 4/20/08. Also included is an old undated postcard of the park - thanks to Danny Krock for providing this.

The first cannon shown is a 12 pounder bronze Napoleon, M1857 cast at the Revere Copper Company in 1863. Old photos show it with an ammunition wagon or limber, which is in storage. The second cannon photo is listed on the National Civil War Artillery Registry as a 12 pounder iron "insurance" howitzer. The final cannons shown are identical 24 pounder flank howitzers, M1844 on the NE and NW corners of the park. The top one has Registry Number #26 from West Point Foundry. The lower one has Registry Number #20 from the same foundry.

Pittsburg - Van Buren County Freedom Rock - GPS Coordinates: 40.749016 by -91.995400

Corporal Voltaire Twombly (1842-1918) was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery at Fort Donelson, Tennessee on February 15, 1862. Despite being wounded and strong enemy fire, he was the color bearer heading the charge of the Iowa 2nd Infantry Regiment and planted the flag inside the Confederate fortifications. He was wounded in two other battles during the war. He also received promotions and was a Captain later in the war. He was born in Van Buren County - after the war he returned and operated businesses in the County. Later he entered politics and became Treasurer of the State of Iowa. He is buried in Pittsburg Rural Cemetery - at the small town of Pittsburg take the Ivy Trail west to the cemetery. His gravestone is located in the east part of the cemetery. Photos taken 11/26/08. His Medal of Honor is on display at the Visitor Center at Fort Donelson. This photo was taken 2/17/12.
Artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen painted a Freedom Rock that features Voltaire Twombly. See the final photo which was taken 8/21/20. It is located in Stockport in Van Buren County not far from where he is buried in Pittsburg. It is off Main Street in a Veterans Park and near an old depot.