NEWSWORTHY

Honoring Peoria’s Revolutionary Spirit with the New Patriot Plaza

As our nation prepares to celebrate “America 250″—the Semiquincentennial of the United States in 2026—Springdale Cemetery is proud to announce a landmark project to honor the local heroes who fought for that independence. Through a collaborative effort between the Springdale Historic Preservation Foundation and the Peoria chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), we are undertaking a major renovation to create the Revolutionary War Patriot Plaza. This revitalized memorial will not only beautify our grounds but will finally give three of Peoria’s Revolutionary War veterans the recognition they deserve.

The Hidden History on Soldiers Hill

While Soldiers Hill is well-known as the resting place for veterans of the Civil War and subsequent conflicts, the history of service in Peoria goes back to the very founding of our country.

Since 2014, a marker has stood near Soldiers Hill honoring Captain Zeally Moss, a Quartermaster and Wagon Master who served under General George Washington and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Moss, the father of Bradley University benefactor Lydia Moss Bradley, is buried in the Mt. Prospect section of Springdale.

However, Captain Moss was not the only Revolutionary War veteran laid to rest in Peoria. Two other patriots were buried here, but their exact burial sites have been lost to time and no grave markers exist to honor their memory.

Private William Crow (1758–1854): A Virginian who volunteered in 1779, Crow’s final wish was to be buried with the “honors of war,” a request that could not be fulfilled at the time of his death. The exact location of his gravesite is unconfirmed.

Private Levin Powell (1763–1836): A member of the Continental Light Dragoons who was wounded in battle, Powell died along the “Narrows” near the current McClugage Bridge, but his grave remains unknown.

The new Patriot Plaza will honor their sacrifice by installing cenotaph markers for both Crow and Powell, ensuring they finally have a dignified memorial where Peorians can pay their respects.

 

A Vision for the Plaza

The current memorial site, situated on a slope between American Legion Hill and the Forest Lawn section, has suffered from cracking concrete and accessibility issues. The new Master Plan, scheduled for completion in time for a Flag Day dedication on June 14, 2026, includes significant upgrades.

The renovated Patriot Plaza will feature:

• • A New Alignment: The memorial will be centered to align better with Soldiers Hill.
  • Expanded Recognition: New historical markers will acknowledge Privates Powell and Crow alongside Captain Moss.
  • The Colors of Liberty: A 20-foot flagpole will fly the 13-star “Betsy Ross” flag.
  • Living History: A “Liberty Tree” will be planted as part of a national SAR initiative to plant 250 new trees by July 4, 2026.
  • Sponsor Acknowledgement: A marker recognizing key supporters.
  • ADA accessible parking spots: To improve site accessibility for veterans and visitors.
  • Any excess of funds will be allocated to additional improvements around the historic Soldiers Hill area.

 

 

Be Part of History: Support the Patriot Plaza

We invite our community to partner with us to make this tribute a reality. Work has already begun to clear the site, but we need your help to fund the construction that will ensure this memorial lasts for generations.

By becoming a sponsor, you are helping to fulfill a nearly 175-year-old wish for military honors and preserving the legacy of Peoria’s patriots.

Sponsorship Levels:
Patriot Partner ($2,500+): Supports the design and construction of the concrete plaza and perpetual care of the memorial for generations to come. This premium sponsorship level includes permanent recognition on a metal plaque, banner recognition at the ceremony, verbal recognition as part of the dedication program, and recognition on Springdale’s website and all media promotion.

Freedom Partner ($1,000+): Funds the lighted flagpole to forever fly the Betsy Ross flag above Patriot Plaza. This sponsorship level includes permanent recognition on a metal plaque, banner recognition at the ceremony, and recognition on Springdale’s website and social media.

Heritage Sponsor ($500+): Funds attractive new landscaping around the site as a living tribute to Liberty. This sponsorship level includes banner recognition at the ceremony and recognition on our website and social media.

Honor Sponsor ($250+): Helps preserve the legacy of these veterans so their courage is remembered. This sponsorship level includes recognition on our website and social media.

Join us in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by honoring the men who helped make it possible.

Online Giving:

Check Donations Payable to:
Springdale Historic Preservation Foundation
Attn: Patriot Plaza Project
P.O. Box 5511
Peoria, IL 61601

THANK YOU to our sponsors for helping protect the legacy of our Patriots:

Patriot Partners

• • Captain Zeally Moss Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
  • Peoria Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
  • Caterpillar
  • Farnsworth Group
  • Otto Baum Company
  • Bradley University
  • Pierce & Karen Frels (SAR/DAR)
  • Bob & Ev Hoffer (SAR)
  • Thomas & Agneta Stanesa

Freedom Partners

• • AMT
  • Arlen & Carol Booth
  • Aupperle & Sons Construction
  • Linda Daley
  • District 8 Funeral Directors
  • Douglas Holmes (SAR)
  • Zach Oyler
  • William Poorman
  • Kenneth D. Pope
  • Doug Stephens
  • The Salmon Family
  • Mike, Debbie & Drew Wisdom

Heritage Sponsors

• • Peter & Jane Barclay

Honor Sponsors

• • Aaron Comte
  • Daniel & Vickie Dickerson (SAR)
  • Steven & Barbara Morrison (SAR)

 

Additional Supporters

• • David Wentworth
  • Marilyn Leyland (DAR)
  • Kim Pendergrass
  • Peoria Heights Suburban Lions Club
  • Jim Stuttle
  • Chuck & Laurie Weaver
  • Alan Wright