To begin with, there is a generic outline for a historical essay in my Hardhat History website. This is, of course, generic. Working from that, on the basis of experience, I have devised a recommended outline for papers on historical monuments. Work from this, adapt it as necessary, add to it.

I. Introduction
A. Lead
B. Thesis: The Ringling Brothers Monument is an

II. Background
A. Historical monuments and collective memory: Ringling Brothers Monument was erected to remember the falling workers. There are several monuments that have been set up along the landscape of the U.S. for those that have falling while working for the Ringling Brothers Circus.
B. The memory group(s) behind your monument: The memory groups behind the monument are the Ringling Brother Circus workers, the Knights of Pythias, and a small portion of the people in Wahpeton.

III. Upstream: The person or thing to be commemorated by your monument

IV. Establishment of the monument: The monument was paid for by the circus and arrangements were made by the workers and the Knights of Pythias. Need to find more.

V. Downstream: Interpretation and subsequent developments pertaining to your monument: The monument is only visited by the circus people when they are in town. It is still remembered by the circus but many people in Wahpeton do not pay much attention to the monument.

VI. Conclusion
A. Confirm the thesis
B. Relate your findings to the historical literature
C. Explain your findings to the memory group(s)