Monument to the United States Regulars

United States Regular Army Monument

United States Regulars Monument.

About the Main Monument

When was it dedicated? Commissioned ca. 1903-1906. Dedicated May 30, 1909.

What is it made out of? Sculpture: Mt. Airy granite with bronze plaques; Base: Mt. Airy granite.

What size is it? Overall: approx. H. 85 ft.; Base: approx. 17 ft. x 14 ft. 6 in. x 14 ft. 6 in.; Terrace: approx. 2 ft. x 43 ft. 6 in. x 43 ft. 6 in.

Who made it? Bitter, Karl, 1867-1915, sculptor. Van Amringe Granite Company, fabricator.

What does it depict? Monument consists of a five-course shaft on an elevated terrace. An eagle in relief with spread wings appears on each side of the shaft at the base. A sphere tops each corner of the terrace. This monument was authorized by Congress in acts passed on Feb. 18, 1903 and March 3, 1903. It is the only monument at Gettysburg commissioned by Congress to honor the regular Army who served at Gettysburg. In planning the monument, the Committee of Survivors of the Regular Army worked with the National Park Commission in summer 1906. The veterans opted for one major monument to be erected for the regular Army with leftover funds to be used for monuments to individual commands. Reportedly, Capt. Frank Furness, a consultant to Secretary of War William H. Taft, ultimately chose the design regardless of the opinions of the Committee and the Commission. Previously, vehicular traffic had access to the monument on its east and west sides. Hancock Avenue later became the only vehicular route near the monument. The monument cost $50,000 and the bronze plaques around it cost $13,000. It was constructed of Mt. Airy granite.

What does it honor? Honors the contributions of the United States Regular Army during the Gettysburg Campaign.

How is it inscribed? ERECTED BY THE CONGRESS/TO COMMEMORATE THE SERVICES/OF THAT PORTION OF THE/ARMY OF THE POTOMAC/COMPOSED OF/CAVALRY ARTILLERY INFANTRY AND ENGINEERS/OF THE REGULAR ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES/IN THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN JUNE-JULY 1863

When was this photograph taken? August 16, 2008.

Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, West side of Hancock Avenue, south of the Copse of Trees, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325.

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 changed.

Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views

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