Monument to the state of North Carolina at Gettysburg.
About the Main Monument
When was it dedicated? Installed 1928. Dedicated July 3, 1929.
What is it made out of? Bronze.
What size is it? Sculpture: approx. H. 15 ft. 9 in.; Base: approx. 9 ft. 9 in. x 6 ft. 6 in.
Who made it? Borglum, Gutzon, 1867-1941, sculptor. Kunst Foundry, founder.
What does it depict? A bronze group of five figures representing North Carolina infantrymen charging forward in the midst of battle. Three of the figures carry guns, one carries a flag, and one kneels on the ground and points toward the enemy with his proper left hand. The monument is enclosed with a metal fence. The bronze sculpture is located approximately where Pettigrew’s brigade would have stepped off in “Pickett’s Charge.” A wounded officer urges his men on while pointing towards Cemetery Ridge. A color bearer carries the all important symbolic flag, while a veteran whispers encouragement to a younger comrade. Borglum modeled the faces on those of actual Confederate veterans. Orren Randolph Smith, designer of the “Stars and Bars,” served as the model for the face of the color bearer.
How is it inscribed? The inscription on plaque located to the west of the monument reads: 1863 North Carolina/to the eternal glory of the North Carolina/soldiers, who on this battlefield displayed/heroism unsurpassed, sacrificing all in sup-port of their cause – their valorous deeds/will be enshrined in the hearts of men long/after these transient memorials have crum-/bled into dust./Thirty-two north Carolina regiments were in/action at Gettysburg July 1, 2, 3, 1863. One Con/-federate soldier in every four who fell her/was a North Carolinian.
When was this photograph taken? December 7, 2009.
Where is it located? Located at Gettysburg National Military Park, West Confederate Avenue, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. It is located on the east side of West Confederate Avenue, just north of the McMillan Woods.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? Yes.
Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been materially altered or moved.
Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views
Other Confederate State Monuments at Gettysburg
Alabama – Arkansas – Florida – Georgia – Louisiana – Mississippi – North Carolina – South Carolina – Tennessee – Texas – Virginia
2 Comments
In addition to his more monumental works (pun intended), Gutzon Borglum also designed and cast a fountain in Bridgeport, CT just down the street from where I used to live that always seemed horribly out of place for what the neighborhood had become by the 1980′s. It was always kind of unusual to see that fountain and think of it as being the work of the sculptor responsible for Mount Rushmore!
I love your site! Though I have ancestors who fought for the Union, I absolutely love the North Carolina State Memorial. On my last visit to Gettysburg I had the privilege of seeing it up close and admiring Mr. Borglum’s handiwork.