The Pennsylvania State Memorial

The Pennsylvania State Memorial is a triumphal arch monument in Gettysburg with four grand supporting towers rising 110 feet (33 meters) and topped by a dome. It displays ninety bronze tablets inscribed with the names of 34,530 soldiers from the state who fought in the 1863 battle.

Construction took place between 1910 and 1917, decades after the fighting ended, as the state sought to establish a permanent memorial. The project emerged from a broader movement to recognize state contributions to major Civil War battles.

The memorial displays eight statues of Pennsylvania leaders, honoring both political and military figures who shaped events during the war. These sculptures reflect the state's complex role in the conflict.

A spiral staircase inside the northeast column leads up to an observation platform with views across the battlefield. The elevated vantage point helps visitors grasp the scale and layout of the surrounding military park.

The bronze statue crowning the memorial was cast using metal from melted Civil War cannons, creating a direct link to the weapons used on the battlefield itself. This choice of material gives the sculpture a profound historical connection beyond its visual presence.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 39.80760,-77.23520

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:58