Monumental Symbolism
Posted to the Project on 14 Dec 08
This page explains some of the symbolic usage on monuments at Gettysburg. A few example photographs are also included for explanation purposes.
Corps Badges
Each infantry corps in the Union Army of the Potomac had it’s own special badge. These badges were colored red for the 1st Division, white for the 2nd Division, and blue for the 3rd Division. These badges later became a symbol of pride and were incorporated into the regimental monuments by many units. Sometimes the badge was a minor addition, whereas other times it was an important feature.
The First Corps had a full moon or full circle as it’s badge. Note the full circle badge for example on the face of the monument to the 16th Maine.
The Second Corps had a trefoil or clover leaf as it’s badge. This led to the saying “CLUBS ARE TRUMPS!” The 108th New York used the clover leaf design as a main feature of it’s monument.
The Third Corps had a diamond or lozenge as it’s badge. The monument to the 20th Indiana features a small red version (denoting 1st division) on the face of the memorial.
The Fifth Corps badge was a Maltese cross. Note the carved Maltese cross on the 20th Maine Monument for example.
The Sixth Corps badge was a Greek cross. The 93rd Pennsylvania’s monument features a prominent blue greek cross.
The Eleventh Corps had a half moon or crescent moon as it’s badge. An example is on the face of the monument to the 119th New York.
The Twelfth Corps had a five pointed star as it’s badge. The top of the 3rd Wisconsin’s monument features a carved granite star.
The Cavalry Corps had a badge of it’s own which can be seen for example on the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry monument.
Branch Designations
Many monuments also include the symbol of the branch the unit was associated with.
In the Civil War, the branch designation for the infantry was a bugle. An example on the 19th Massachusetts Monument.
In the cavalry, it was the familiar crossed sabers. For example, see the monument to the 3rd West Virginia cavalry or the 1st Maryland Cavalry Monument.
In the artillery, it was crossed cannon tubes. Maryland Light, Battery A’s monument features this symbol in carving.
In the engineers, it was a castle shape. The 15th and 50th New York Regiments made their monument in the shape of their branch symbol!
State Seals
Most states appropriated money to construct monuments to their regiments and batteries at Gettysburg. Consequently, most monuments contain the state seal. A few examples of state seals:
- Pennsylvania - Example on the 118th Pennsylvania Monument.
- New York - Example on the 120th New York Monument.
- Michigan - Example on the Michigan Sharpshooters Monument.
- Indiana - Example on the 7th Indiana Monument.
- Maine - Example on the 5th Maine Monument.
General Symbols
Common symbols seen on monuments at Gettysburg include symbols of America and the Union. These include:
- Eagles. Examples of eagles abound around the battlefield. See e.g. 27th Connecticut, Excelsior Brigade, 88th Pennsylvania.
- Flags. Examples of flags also abound. See e.g. 6th Wisconsin, 150th New York, 4th Michigan, 13th Massachusetts, 11th New Jersey, 41st New York, 5th Ohio, 57th Pennsylvania.
There are other common symbols that can be seen at Gettysburg.
- Laurels. These are symbols of triumph, glory, righteousness. A common feature. Examples include the 59th New York and the 16th Maine.
- Garlands and Wreaths. Victory in death. An example is on the 137th New York Monument. Another is on the 82nd Illinois Monument.
- Shields. An example is on the 81st Pennsylvania Monument.
- Oak Leaves. Strength, virtue, character, endurance. The extreme example is an entire oak tree, i.e. the 90th Pennsylvania’s Monument.
- Palms. Spiritual victory, success, eternal peace, a symbol of Christ’s victory of death as associated with Easter. The 78th and 102nd New York Monument and the 11th Pennsylvania Reserve Monument are a two of many examples that feature palm fronds. More examples: 9th Massachusetts Artillery,
Animals
Many monuments feature animals at Gettysburg. Some of the animals featured include:
- Birds (other than eagles and horses which are quite common)
- The 7th Ohio Monument features a rooster.
- The 90th Pennsylvania Monument features a song bird and nest.
- The 5th Ohio Monument features an owl.
- Dogs
- The Irish Brigade Monument features an Irish Wolfhound.
- The 11th Pennsylvania’s Monument features their regimental mascot, a bull terrier named Sallie.
- Lions and Cats
- The First Vermont Brigade Monument features a large carved lion.
- The 78th and 102nd New York features a hidden lion head and paw.
- The 105th Pennsylvania features a bronze relief of a wildcat.
Civil War “Stuff”
- Bullets see e.g.
- Examples include the 7th New Jersey Monument.
- Artillery Shells and Cannon balls see e.g.
- Knapsacks and Other Gear … see e.g. 19th Massachusetts Monument, 10th Massachusetts, 7th Massachusetts, 7th Michigan, 136th New York, 8th Ohio, 88th Pennsylvania.
- Drums see e.g. 106th Pennsylvania, 140th Pennsylvania, 88th Pennsylvania, 2nd Rhode Island, 136th New York, 8th Ohio, 10th Massachusetts
- Saddles … see e.g. 8th Illinois Cavalry, 12th Illinois Cavalry, 1st New Jersey Cavalry,
- Stacked Rifles … see e.g. 10th Massachusetts,
December 15th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Jenny,
Great summary!
I must say the one monument that at first confused me the most was the 99th Pa. Originally my thoughts were it had to be some 1970s addition to the battlefield, or perhaps the work of some post-modern artist. Then looking at the facets, the symbolism sank in. The diamond for the Third Corps and the “Keystone” for the state.
Perhaps monuments, like other forms of art, are best appreciated in meditation.
Now if we can just figure out those darn over sized “feet” on the LA and MISS monuments!
Craig.
December 15th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Outstanding contribution to monument study Jenny!
December 17th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
The 99th PA does have a surprisingly “modern” look to it!
Re: the hands and feet … Certainly, De Lue was trying to draw attention to them by depicting them as over-sized. Feet can represent mobility and freedom. Our hands do things and can be used to express emotion … I should some day read up on De Lue and look at his other stuff and try and divine why the exaggerated hands and feet. :)
May 11th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Does anyone know why the 8th Pa Cav. monument has a tree stump under the the horse, is it to support the statue?