State of Pennsylvania monument
One of the famous monuments, markers, and tablets on the Civil War Battlefield that Toplist would like to introduce is the State of Pennsylvania monument. It is located on Hancock Avenue near Pleasonton Avenue, south of Gettysburg. The monument was dedicated on September 27th, 1910, and the sculptures on each side of the arches were erected in April 1913.
The State of Pennsylvania monument is the largest monument on the Gettysburg battlefield. Inside there is a spiral staircase that leads visitors to the roof of the memorial where they can enjoy a panoramic view of the battlefield. Granite from North Carolina was used to create the monument, which was mounted on an iron and concrete frame. Sculptor Samuel Murray is the main designer for this work. Overcoming all odds, he created a 7,500-pound Winged Victory from melted Civil War cannons that stood atop the dome with a 110-foot-tall sword tip. In addition, he also created reliefs on each dome.
The base and interior of the monument are decorated with bronze tables of Pennsylvania regiments and batteries that fought bravely in the Battle of Gettysburg. Each table lists the company list of the officers and combatants of that unit. Over 34,000 Pennsylvanians who took part in the war have their names listed on the State of Pennsylvania monument. Each of the stone arches leading into the monument's interior is flanked by two bronze figures that are much bigger than life, and it is topped with a relief depicting infantry, cavalry, artillery, and signals. The group of bronze statues includes President Lincoln, Governor of Pennsylvania Curtin, and six of the most senior Pennsylvania generals during the battle at Gettysburg.
In sum, the State of Pennsylvania monument:
- Location: along Hancock Avenue near Humphreys Avenue and Pleasonton Avenue, south of Gettysburg.
- commemorates the 34,530 Pennsylvanians who fought at Gettysburg, 1,182 of them were killed, 3,177 were injured and 860 were listed as missing.
- is the largest monument on the Gettysburg battlefield.
