George J. Langsdale was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. At age 6 his father died and he was sent to Greenwood, KY to live with his uncle and grandfather. He moved back to Indianapolis at age 12. He later attended Northwestern Christian College (Butler University). He later taught school in Indianapolis and then in Leavenworth, Indiana. At the age of 21 Langsdae traveled with a wagon train from St. Louis to New Mexico. He returned to Indianapolis in ill health and soon after traveled to Minnesota. In 1860 he once again traveled back to Indiana.
In 1861 the Civil War broke out so Langsdale volunteered for service, but war rejected because of his health. Langsdale didn't give up, however, and in 1862 he raised a company for the 3rd Indiana Cavalry, which later became Company K. In May 1862 he was sworn in as the First Lieutenant. During Langsdale's war service his company helped to supress the Knights of the Golden Circle. His company also took part in the chasing of Morgan's Raiders through Indiana. For a short period, he took leave from the army and on August 13th, 1863, married Mary Elizabeth Roberts in Indianapolis. Returning to the front, Langsdale participated in actions in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina. Unfortunately, Langsdale's health was ruined during these long and grueling campaigns and he never completely recovered his entire life. Many years later a fellow soldier who served with the Lieutenant commented that, "For genuine heroism and partiotism I have never known a man the equal of Mr. Langsdale."
After his return from the war, Langsdale moved to a farm in Sullivan County, Indiana, where he assisted in editing the Sullivan Union newspaper. The next year he moved to Greensactle and bought an interest in the Putnam Republican Banner. In July he became full owner of the paper and changed the name to the Greencastle Banner.
The most significant part played in Langsdale's life, and the reason that he gained national attention was for an idea he had. In 1875 he presented an idea to a group of friends to erect a monument on the Circle in Indianpolis to honor Indiana soldiers from the Civil War. Years later, Langsdale's dream came true and on May 15th, 1902 the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument was dedicated. This monument is the second largest structure dedicated to soldiers from the Civil War. It is a beautiful monument that stands in the City Circle of Indianapolis and stands as a true reminder of the great service of Indiana's soldiers in the Civil War and as a great memorial to the Lieutenant who envisioned it years earlier.