Virginia Monument facts for kids
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| Coordinates | 39°48.848′N 77°15.019′W / 39.814133°N 77.250317°W |
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| Location | East of Spangler Woods, Gettysburg National Military Park |
| Designer | Frederick William Sievers |
| Type | Statue |
| Material | Bronze |
| Beginning date | 1913 |
| Opening date | 1917 June 8 |
The Virginia Monument is a special memorial located at the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. It was built to honor the soldiers from Virginia who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg. This battle was a very important event during the American Civil War.
The monument features a large bronze statue of Robert E. Lee, a famous general, riding his horse named Traveller. This statue sits on top of a tall granite base. Below the general, there is another bronze sculpture. This part shows six figures representing the different types of soldiers: artillery (cannon users), infantry (foot soldiers), and cavalry (soldiers on horseback) from the Confederate Army.
These figures on the monument face the area known as the Field of Pickett's Charge. This was a major attack during the battle. The monument also faces the equestrian (horseback) statue of Union General George G. Meade on Cemetery Ridge.
The Monument's Story
The Virginia Monument was built in stages. The large granite base, which would later hold the statues, was first put in place on June 30, 1913. This was a special day because it was part of the 1913 Gettysburg reunion. This reunion brought together many people who had been involved in the Civil War.
The complete memorial, with all its bronze statues, was officially presented on June 8, 1917. The governor of Virginia at the time, Henry C. Stuart, gave the finished monument to the Assistant Secretary of War. This marked the official dedication of this important tribute to the soldiers from Virginia.
