Civil War Monument
Civil War monument to be installed in Summer 2026
depicts three 111th regiment soldiers at Gettysburg
Honoring the Soldiers of Wayne County
The Civil War monument “True Valor” will be installed this summer in Central Park of Lyons, paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the thousands of boys and men from Wayne County who fought between 1861 and 1865.
The monument depicts three life-size soldiers in bronze, mounted on a rose granite pedestal in the center of a 40-foot circular concrete patio.
A bronze tablet installed near the patio recounts the heroic actions of the 111th Regiment, most notably at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863, where 70 percent of the regiment lost their lives— representing “true valor” in their brave fighting.
The monument preserves the memory of wartime contributions and also stands as a testament to Wayne County’s enduring legacy of patriotism and sacrifice.
A dedication ceremony is planned for Saturday, Aug. 22, with a variety of festivities and events planned, including a new military exhibition at the Wayne County History Museum, Civil War re-enactors presenting demonstrations, and live music from the era throughout the day.
About “True Valor” Monument
There were nearly 1,100 soldiers in the 111th Regiment, drawn predominantly from Wayne County and neighboring Cayuga County. Many of the soldiers were young boys who, alongside brothers, uncles, and fathers, volunteered to defend a moral choice for personal freedom and national unity.
They would go on to fight in every major battle in the east, from the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor, to the siege of Petersburg and the end of the war at Appomattox in April 1865. When the men returned home as heroes, little more than 100 of those who originally joined in 1862 were left in the ranks. Many more Wayne County residents served in the Union Army beyond the 111th, including former slaves who served in the United States Colored Troops.
The monument scene depicts an infantryman protecting a color bearer as he retrieves the flag from a fallen soldier. Two flag bearers who fell at Gettysburg are depicted — Sgt. Judson Hicks of Company A and Corporal Payson Derby of Company G.
The third soldier is an infantryman who represents the other 111th soldiers. Sculptor Gary Casteel used photographs of Hicks and Derby to create their facial likenesses in clay, to be ultimately cast in bronze. Casteel has created dozens of bronze sculptures, several of which are installed at Gettysburg National Military Park.
“This monument reveals the valor of local ordinary men who were willing to fight for what was right. This monument may only depict three soldiers, but it actually represents and pays tribute to thousands of soldiers from Wayne County who have valiantly served our country, from the Revolution to current active-duty engagements.”
— Deb Hall, Executive Director
Wayne County Historical Society
Funding for “True Valor” and related events is made possible through a donation to the Wayne County Historical Society by the Isaac Mullie Foundation.
Soldiers of the 111th Regiment returned to Gettysburg and posed with a monument erected in their honor (at left is the 30th anniversary and at right is the 20th anniversary).
The first 12 months of construction, showcasing the progress made toward this historic tribute.
Civil War Inspired - New Art
Drawn in conte format (chalk on colored paper), Gary Casteel also created this limited-edition print titled "A Hero’s Burial" Click here for more info on the story. The image was created to capture the emotional weight of lives lost in the Civil War. 40 prints are available to purchase.