John Burns was a civilian soldier at the battle of Gettysburg.

About the Main Monument

When was it dedicated? July 1, 1903.

What is it made out of? Sculpture: bronze; Base: granite.

What size is it? Sculpture: approx. H. 6 ft. 1 in. x W. 2 ft. 8 in.; Base: approx. 3 ft. 8 in. x 3 ft 8 in. x 8 in.

Who made it? Bureau, Albert George, b. 1871, sculptor. Bureau Brothers, founder.

What does it depict? A portrait of Gettysburg resident John Burns standing on the skirmish line on First Day’s Field. He is dressed in civilian clothes and carries his musket in his proper right hand. The sculpture is mounted on a square granite boulder adorned with a bronze Pennsylvania state seal on the side and an inscription plaque on the front. On July 1, 1863, John Burns joined Col. Owen Wister’s 150 Pennsylvania Infantry on the skirmish line near where the sculpture is installed. The granite boulder was selected and cut by Col. E. B. Cope. The monument was raised by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Bureau used a photograph of Burns to model the face. The monument cost $1,500.00.

How is it inscribed? John Lawrence Burns (September 5, 1793 – February 4, 1872), veteran of the War of 1812, became a 70-year-old civilian combatant with the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. He was wounded, but survived to become a national celebrity. General Doubleday even mentioned Burns in his after-action report.

When was this photograph taken? September 19, 2009.

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Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Stone Avenue, near McPherson Quarry, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on the east side of the road facing west. Located near skirmish line on 1st Day Battlefield, near 150th Pennsylvania Monument and 84th New York marker.

Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? No.

Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been changed or moved.

Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views

At Gettysburg

Commanded: John Burns was a Gettysburg civilian who joined the battle on July 1st and got himself wounded fighting alongside the 150th Pennsylvania and the Iron Brigade.

General Information

Brief Biography: John Lawrence Burns (September 5, 1793 – February 4, 1872), veteran of the War of 1812, became a 70-year-old civilian combatant with the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. He was wounded, but survived to become a national celebrity.