In 1879 the Grad Army of the Republic, Post 50, started to raise money to build a monument as a way to honor those who served in the military who were from South Danvers, now Peabody, during the Civil War.
The monument was built by Hallowell Granite Company of Hallowell, Maine and would be dedicated on November 10, 1881. Inside of the monument was a time capsule that was discovered when it was moved in 1989. One of the most interesting items in the time capsule was a listing of the members of the Peabody. G.A.R. from 1881 including who the officers were.
Inside of the time capsule were newspapers, money, and a listing of members of the G.A.R. from Peabody. In addition, were the by-laws of the G.A.R.; newspapers; money; books about George Peabody among other things.
