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 at Springdale Cemetery 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 nearby marker has stood 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, thus ending the American Revolution. Moss, the father of Bradley University benefactor Lydia Moss Bradley, is buried in the Mt. Prospect section of Springdale. However, he was not the only Revolutionary War veteran to live out his final days in Peoria… Two other local Patriots witnessed the Yorktown surrender, but their exact burial sites have been lost to time. 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.

A Vision for the Plaza

The original memorial site 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 new Patriot Plaza will feature:

• • Expanded Recognition: New cenotaph markers for both Crow and Powell, ensuring they finally have a dignified memorial where Peorians can pay their respects.
  • Proper Alignment: The memorial, situated on a slope between the two hills, will be raised to street level offering a clear view of Soldiers Hill.
  • ADA accessible parking spots: To improve site accessibility for veterans and visitors.
  • The Colors of Liberty: A 20-foot flagpole will forever 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.

 

 

Be Part of History: Support the Patriot Plaza

We invite our community to partner with us to make this tribute a reality. Site work has already begun, 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, sidewalk and ADA parking spots. 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 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 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

 

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible community members and local businesses who have stepped up to support this project.

Patriot Partners

Captain Zeally Moss Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (S.A.R.)

Peoria Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.)

Bradley University

Farnsworth Group

Otto Baum Company Inc. Foundation

JIMAX

Caterpillar Foundation Matching Grants

Arlen & Carol Booth (S.A.R.)

Pierce & Karen Frels (S.A.R./D.A.R.)

Bob & Ev Hoffer (S.A.R.)

Stan Pope (S.A.R.)

Thomas & Agneta Stanesa

Freedom Partners

Advanced Medical Transport

Aupperle & Sons Construction

Linda Daley

District 8 Funeral Directors

Connie Frank

Hasselberg Grebe Snodgrass Urban & Wentworth

Douglas Holmes (S.A.R.)

Thomas McMahill (S.A.R.)

Zach Oyler

William Poorman

Kenneth D. Pope

Sid P. Ruckriegel & Andrew A. Rand Charitable Foundation

Doug Stephens

The Salmon Family

Mike, Debbie & Drew Wisdom

Heritage Sponsors

Thomas Ashby (S.A.R.)

Peter & Jeanne Barclay

Billy Cook (S.A.R.)

Daniel & Vickie Dickerson (S.A.R.)

Henry Truit (S.A.R.)

Honor Sponsors

Aaron Comte

Steven & Barbara Morrison (S.A.R.)

Linda Sedgwick (D.A.R.)

Additional Sponsors

Donna Gottwald

Marilyn Leyland (D.A.R.)

Kim Pendergrass

Peoria Heights Suburban Lions Club

Jim Stuttle

Chuck & Laurie Weaver

WeaverRidge Golf Club of Peoria

Dick Wells (S.A.R.)

David Wentworth

Alan Wright

And special thanks to City of Peoria staff for their support!