Lincoln University Soldiers' Memorial Plaza

A fitting monument expresses the unique history of Lincoln University

Founded in 1866, Lincoln University maintains its heritage as a historically black university, while defining its future an outstanding institution of higher learning. As a result of the 2003 Campus Master Plan, Christner helped the University develop a new Soldiers' Memorial Plaza, which will take its place at the heart of the academic quadrangle as a fitting emblem of Lincoln's history.

Sculpted by Ed Dwight Studios of Kansas City, the sculpture depicts men of the 62nd and 65th Colored Infantry ("the Buffalo Soldiers") and their captain, who together founded Lincoln University. The plaza's design creates a setting for the sculpture and its interpretive theme, drawing on the motif of a civil war military compass. A set of terrace steps and walks link the sculpture plaza to the surrounding historic buildings. Cast bronze story plaques along the way describe the founding of the university. The base of the sculpture is mounted 18" above the plaza, surrounded by granite pavers that recognize the donors who made the Buffalo Soldiers' Memorial a realty. A granite wall on the southern edge shapes the curve of the plaza and offers viewers a place to sit.

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Status: Completed 2007

<p>View of the complete quadrangle from Chestnut Street, a future student mall.</p>

View of the complete quadrangle from Chestnut Street, a future student mall.

<p>View of the completed plaza at the Soldiers' Memorial.</p>

View of the completed plaza at the Soldiers' Memorial.

<p>View of the sculpture overlook that is strategically placed to have the most interesting view of the sculpture. The fence and interpretive display were custom designed to reinforce the story of the founding of the university after the Civil War.</p>

View of the sculpture overlook that is strategically placed to have the most interesting view of the sculpture. The fence and interpretive display were custom designed to reinforce the story of the founding of the university after the Civil War.

<p>The design plan for the entire project area. The flared brick areas at the ends of the compass points provided for generous radii for pedestrian circulation and maintenance vehicles that typically damage grass in these corners.</p>

The design plan for the entire project area. The flared brick areas at the ends of the compass points provided for generous radii for pedestrian circulation and maintenance vehicles that typically damage grass in these corners.

<p>Perspective rendering of design concept for the Soldiers' Memorial. This rendering was featured on the donor brochure that helped generate excitement and raise money for the memorial.</p>

Perspective rendering of design concept for the Soldiers' Memorial. This rendering was featured on the donor brochure that helped generate excitement and raise money for the memorial.

<p>View of alumni looking at the donor pavers at the Soldiers' Memorial after homecoming festivities.</p>

View of alumni looking at the donor pavers at the Soldiers' Memorial after homecoming festivities.