44th New York Monument facts for kids

Captain Charles D. Grannis of Co. A, B, and H, 44th New York Infantry Regiment

The 44th and 12th New York Infantry Monument is a special memorial at the Gettysburg Battlefield. It stands near the top of Little Round Top. This monument remembers the brave soldiers who fought there during the Battle of Little Round Top.

This monument looks like a castle tower. It is the biggest monument for a single army group on the battlefield. It is also one of only two monuments at Gettysburg that you can climb up. It has an observation deck where you can look out. This monument was built to add to other wooden towers that were already there.

The monument was officially opened on July 3, 1893. During the dedication, there was a disagreement involving General Daniel Sickles. He was later removed from the New York Monuments Commission.

About the Monument

What Does It Look Like?

The monument is a tower about 44 feet (13 meters) tall. It is also 44 by 12 feet (13 by 3.7 meters) wide at its base. It is the oldest monument of its kind on the battlefield. Inside, there is a spiral staircase that leads to the second floor. This floor has an observation deck with walls around it. From there, you can see amazing views.

The very top of the monument has a maltese cross. All around the monument, both inside and out, are bronze plaques. These plaques include detailed pictures of Generals Daniel Butterfield and Francis C. Barlow.

At the bottom, there are two arched entrances. Steps lead up to these entrances from paved paths. These paths come from the nearby Sykes Avenue parking lot.

Views from the Monument

The monument is on the south side of Little Round Top. It sits above the low area between Little Round Top and Big Round Top. The west side of the monument is kept clear of trees. This lets visitors see far across the battlefield. You can see places like Devil's Den and the Slaughter Pen. You can also see the Valley of Death with Plum Run flowing through it.