The one-acre memorial is located on the north side of downtown s Central Canal in White River State Park. The memorial represents 15 different conflicts, ranging from the Civil War through Somalia and is composed of 27 curved walls of glass, each between 7 and 10 feet high. Each day at dusk, the memorial s sound system plays recorded stories of medal winners or of the conflicts in which they fought. An observation tower, accessible by an elevator or 32 flights of stairs, provides a panoramic view of the skyline. The Col. Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, located in the lower level of the Soldier' and Sailors' Monument, honors the sacrifices made by Indiana citizens who lived, fought and died during the Civil War.
Visitors can experience the Civil War from the battlefield to the homefront.
Artifacts, letters and personal diaries written by Hoosiers during the war are the foundation for the exhibits. The museum preserves the rich history of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. War Memorial Plaza and American Legion Mall Dominating the five-block picturesque setting of War Memorial Plaza in downtown Indianapolis is the Indiana World War Memorial. The main floor houses exhibit space, administrative offices, meeting rooms and the Pershing Auditorium. Also, listed on this level are the names of all Hoosiers who participated in World War I and all Hoosiers who were killed or are MIA from World War II, Korea and Vietnam.