Soldiers' National Monument (Gettysburg)
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Battlefield: Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania
Location: Soldiers' National Cemetery
Map Coordinates: +39° 49' 11.28", -77° 13' 52.32"
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Monument Text
- "Gettysburg July 1, 2, 3, 1863"
- "It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. - Lincoln, November 19, 1863 "
Monument Details
Artist: Rogers, Randolph, sculptor; Batterson, James Goodwin, designer; Keller, George W., designer.
Dedicated: July 1, 1869 (Cornerstone laid July 4, 1865)
Dimensions: Sculpture: H. 60 ft.; Base: W. 25 ft. x D. 25 ft.
Monument Description
- The design of the monument, as executed by Mr. J. G. Batterson, of Hartford, Connecticut, is intended to be purely historical, telling its own story with such simplicity that any discerning mind will readily comprehend its meaning and purpose.
- The superstructure is sixty feet high, and consists of a massive pedestal, twenty-five feet square at the base, and is crowned with a colossal statue representing the Genius of Liberty. Standing upon a three-quarter globe, she raises with her right hand the victor's wreath of laurel, while with her left she gathers up the folds of our national flag under which the victory has been won. Projecting from the angles of the pedestal are four buttresses, supporting an equal number of allegorical statues representing, respectively, War, History, Peace, and Plenty.
- War is personified by a statue of the American soldier, who, resting from the conflict, relates to History the story of the battle which this monument is intended to commemorate.
- History, in listening attitude, records with stylus and tablet the achievements of the field and the names of the honored dead.
- Peace is symbolized by a statue of the American mechanic, characterized by appropriate accessories.
- Plenty is represented by a female figure, with a sheaf of wheat and fruits of the earth, typifying peace and abundance as the soldier's crowning triumph.
- The main die of the pedestal is octagonal in form, panelled upon each face. The cornice and plinth above are also octagonal, and are heavily moulded. Upon this plinth rests an octagonal moulded base bearing upon the face, in high relief, the national arms. The upper die and cap are circular in form, the die being encircled by stars equal in number with the States whose sons contributed their lives as the price of the victory won at Gettysburg.
Additional Photos
 Genius of Liberty Statue, |
 Statue of War, |
 Statue of History, |
 Statue of Peace, |
 Statue of Plenty, |
Battlefield Location Map
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