The Connecticut State Capitol Building: A Civil War Treasure

What’s so unique about an Old Civil War Soldier Statue that now calls the Connecticut State Capitol Building home?

For decades he’s been known as “Old Hayfoot” or the “Forlorn Soldier,” a failed attempt at statuary carving to commemorate the 55,000 soldiers from Connecticut who fought on behalf of the Union. He’s come down through history as a great mistake, but like so much of what we know regarding the past, his history has been misrepresented. Rather than a sad blunder, the Forlorn Soldier is likely the first of his kind; a prototype that ushered in a new era of war monumentation and commemoration.

Join Dr. Matt Warshauer, historian from Central CT State University, for an enthralling account of the Old Soldier followed by a Civil War Tour of the Capitol.

Meet in the North Lobby of the State Capitol Building Friday, September 15th at 12:30 pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

This event is FREE and open to the public, but we ask that you email Capitol.Tours@cga.ct.gov or call (860) 240-0222 in advance if you plan to attend.