The Battle Monument is a 52-foot marble edifice that stands as a symbol of civic identity and pride in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. It was built to commemorate the sacrifices made by 42 U.S. soldiers who had laid down their lives while defending Baltimore against the British in the Battle of North Point, during the War of 1812. The Battle Monument is thought to be the nation's first true war memorial. The monument was designed by American architect Maximilien Godefroy. The construction was started in 1815 and was completed by 1825. The monument is located in Monument Square, on Calvert Street, between East Fayette and East Lexington streets. The Battle Monument was one of the structures that had prompted John Quincy Adams to call Baltimore "the Monumental City," the other structure being the famous Washington Monument.