Yellow Creek Monument

Yellow Creek Monument

The Mooretown Soldiers Monument: A Testament to Sacrifice and Memory

In the quiet landscape of Ross Township, Jefferson County, Ohio, stands a poignant tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of local soldiers who gave their lives during the Civil War. The Mooretown Soldiers Monument, erected in 1871, is a symbol of honor and remembrance, dedicated by Robert and Martha McLaughlin George to the memory of their son, Thomas George, and other soldiers from Ross Township who died in service to the United States.

A Tribute to Fallen Heroes

The monument was built to honor the men of Ross Township, many of whom were members of Company K, 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This unit, commanded by Captain David Mitchell, comprised recruits from Mitchell’s Salt Works (Holt) and Yellow Creek. The soldiers of Company K fought valiantly in numerous significant battles, including those at Perryville in Kentucky, Stone River in Tennessee, Chickamauga in Georgia, and during the Atlanta campaign.

Corporal Thomas George, the son of Robert and Martha, was one of these brave men. At just 25 years old, he was killed in the Battle of Perryville on October 8, 1862. His death, along with the deaths of many of his comrades—who perished either on the battlefield, from disease, or as prisoners of war—serves as a somber reminder of the immense cost of the conflict.

A Monument of Memory and Legacy

The Mooretown Soldiers Monument not only commemorates these soldiers but also tells a story of community and enduring respect for those who served. One side of the monument features a photograph of local Civil War veterans, taken around 1896, who gathered at the site to pay their respects.

Standing sentinel alongside the monument is a 30-pounder Parrott gun, a rifled cannon weighing approximately 4,200 pounds, named after its inventor, Robert Parrott. The gun was cast at the West Point Foundry on the Hudson River in New York State, and according to local lore, it took a six-horse team to haul the cannon to its resting place at the monument. This cannon, a powerful symbol of the war's harsh realities, adds to the solemn atmosphere of the site.

A Legacy of Remembrance

The Mooretown Soldiers Monument stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers of Ross Township. It serves not only as a historical landmark but also as a place for reflection on the cost of war and the valor of those who fought. Erected by grieving parents in memory of their son and his comrades, the monument continues to be a testament to the enduring respect and honor that the community holds for its fallen heroes.

The Yellow Creek Monument stands as a tribute to Robert George, a figure of historical importance who was born in 1744 in Antrim, Ireland, and passed away in 1819 in Mooretown, Ohio. A veteran of the Revolutionary War, George served in the Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, contributing to the birth of the nation. Later in life, he resided in the stone house nearby in 1813, a home that stood witness to the early growth of the region. His legacy, intertwined with the land and its early settlers, is remembered through the dedication of this monument.

In 1985, the monument was erected by the Ross Township Trustees, led by Clerk Cheryl Sutton, with contributions from George Stewart, Walter Sutton, and Floyd Call Jr. This plaque not only honors Robert George but also the broader community of Mooretown, as it is closely linked to the local Civil War monument. The funding for the monument came from a diverse group, including the Bergholz Community Foundation, the Dunleavy Charitable Foundation, Jefferson County Commissioners, the Pugliese Charitable Foundation, and Ross Township Trustees. The Ohio History Connection also played a key role, with support from local residents. Through their dedication and generosity, Robert George's memory and the region’s rich history have been preserved for future generations.

Yellow Creek Monument, Sept. 26th 2024

In this video, we explore the Mooretown Soldiers Monument in Ross Township, Ohio—a powerful tribute to the local soldiers who gave their lives during the Civil War. Erected in 1871 by Robert and Martha George in memory of their son, Thomas George, and his comrades from Company K, 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the monument stands as a lasting testament to the bravery and sacrifice of these men. Alongside the monument is a historic 30-pounder Parrott cannon, symbolizing the harsh realities of war. We also take a look at the Yellow Creek Monument, dedicated to Robert George, a Revolutionary War veteran, and erected in 1985 by the local community. This monument connects the region’s rich history from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War, honoring both individual heroes and the broader community. Join us as we delve into the legacy of these historical landmarks, preserving the memory of the brave soldiers and the spirit of Ross Township.