SAC CITY – Monument Square, which serves as a memorial to the soldiers of the Union Army, has been named to the National Register of Historic Places.

Sac City Councilman Bruce Perry said efforts to have Monument Square, located just off downtown Sac City, placed on the National Register have been ongoing for a number of years.

“It gives it some honor and recognition it well-deserves,” Perry said. “It will be listed so that people who are interested in the Civil War or war history can more easily find it.”

Perry submitted the application to the state Historic Preservation Office, where it was approved in February.

From there, it was nationally approved earlier this month.

Perry described himself as “thrilled” when the application was approved.

“It’s good to have it getting that recognition,” he said.

Monument Square also honors soldiers from other wars.

“There are some granite tables with the names of people killed in World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict,” he said. “It’s a neat area that is, I think, a wonderful example of what a small community has done to show appreciation to those who have served in the military.”

He added that, to his knowledge, Monument Square is one of only two or three Grand Army of the Republic sites in Iowa to be listed on the National Register.

A plaque will be placed on Monument Square that designates it as a national historic place. Perry said a celebration may be held at a later date, but nothing has been planned yet.

“It’s an honor for it,” Perry said. “It will help gain recognition and help with future preservation efforts to the area.”