Thomas McManus Memorial Plaque

657 Maple Avenue • Hartford, CT • Hartford County

Historical Significance

The Thomas McManus Plaque is significant historically because it is a memorial to a prominent individual who participated in the Civil War. Thomas McManus was born in Hartford January 20, 1834, four years after his parents emigrated from Ireland. After graduating from Hartford Public High School, he learned the carpenter's trade and plied it for several years in repair shops of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. He then studied law in the offices of Eaton & Collier, being admitted to the bar January 20, 1864.

Photo: View south showing monument and plaque. (Tod Bryant)

McManus served in the Union Army, 1862-1863, as a major in the 25th Connecticut Regiment. He saw active service in Louisiana and commanded his regiment at Port Hudson. After the war he was active in veterans' organizations and reunions, being a chief organizer for the erection of the nearby Griffin A. Stedman Monument. The 25th Regiment Veterans Association was responsible for the Thomas McManus Plaque. McManus served as a judge, member of the General Assembly, and director of the Connecticut State Prison at Wethersfield.

Photo: View south showing plaque detail. (Tod Bryant)

At the September 1, 1923, ceremonies the memorial was unveiled by his daughter, Ellen McManus Dooley. The Reverend John J. McCook made remarks on the traditional subjects of liberty, law and Union 58 years after the war was over.

Sources

"Thomas McManus Plaque," Connecticut's Civil War Monuments, http://www.chs.org/finding_aides/ransom/051.htm

Description

The plaque is mounted on a gray/tan granite slab in the center of a small triangular park adjacent to Barry Square at the junction of Campfield and Maple Avenues. The initial camping grounds for Hartford's Civil War volunteers were here; hence the name of the street.

The gray/tan granite slab or boulder is large, 7 1/2 feet high, 5 feet thick, and craggy, with rough surfaces and rough edges. The bronze plaque is recessed into the stone. It has a bas-relief head-and-shoulders bust of McManus in profile, looking to his left, wearing coat, weskit, and bow tie. Full beard and moustache set off a prominent nose. He displays a serious, focused expression.


Additional Information

Date(s):  Dedicated 1923
Artist:  John G. Hardy


Accessibility:
Exterior visible from public road.


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