Washington Grays Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Washington Grays Monument |
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| Artist | John Wilson |
| Year | 1908 |
| Type | Bronze |
| Dimensions | 220 cm × 76 cm × 76 cm (87 in × 30 in × 30 in) |
| Location | Union League of Philadelphia, Philadelphia |
| Owner | City of Philadelphia Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
The Washington Grays Monument is a bronze statue. It's also known as the Pennsylvania Volunteer. The statue was created by John A. Wilson.
This monument honors the Washington Grays. They were a group of soldiers who fought in the American Civil War. They served in the 17th, 21st, and 49th Pennsylvania Militia.
A famous art historian, Lorado Taft, praised the statue in 1925. He said it showed great power. The base of the monument was built by Joseph Wilson and first shown on April 19, 1872. John Wilson's bronze statue was added much later, on April 18, 1908. It was first placed at Washington Square (Philadelphia). Later, on June 14, 1991, it was moved to its current spot. You can find it in front of the Union League of Philadelphia in Center City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
History of the Monument
In 1871, a man named Edwin N. Benson offered $2,000. This money was for building a granite monument. It would honor the brave soldiers who died in the Civil War. He suggested it be ready for the group's 50th anniversary.
The monument's base was first shown on April 19, 1872. This event happened at Broad Street and Girard Avenue. It was a big ceremony, followed by a dinner for 300 people. After this, the monument was moved to the center of Washington Square.
In 1906, the "Old Guard of the Artillery Corps, Washington Grays" met. They decided to add a bronze figure to the monument's base. This figure would show a "Washington Gray" soldier in his old uniform. A committee was chosen to make this happen.
The committee reported back in 1908. They had paid $5,000 for the statue themselves. John A. Wilson created the figure. It was quietly revealed on April 18, 1908. Only a few surviving members of the Old Guard were there.
John Oppell Foering described the statue's meaning. He said it showed a gentleman who became a soldier. This soldier chose to fight for his country. He was ready to risk his life out of patriotism. Foering believed the statue taught a lesson about loving one's country. He hoped it would remind people that "greater love than this hath no man, that he giveth his life for his brother."
In 1954, the monument was moved again. It went to a place called Lemon Hill. For nearly 40 years, it was not well protected. The statue of the unnamed soldier was neglected. It showed signs of damage, like a missing bayonet and plume. In 1991, the monument was finally moved to its current, safer location.
Gallery
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The Washington Grays Monument in Philadelphia
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Another view of the Washington Grays Monument
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John A. Wilson working on the monument in his studio in Boston
Inscription Details
The monument has several inscriptions. They include the sculptor's name, J. Wilson, and the foundry, Bureau Bros.
The base also lists names of officers:
- Major George W. F. Wood
- Captains: Charles P. Warner, Albert G. Walker, Charles L. Kneass, Washington Airey
- Lieutenant Colonels: Thomas S. Martin, Henry G. Whelan, Thomas M. Hall & Majors: Joseph S. Chandler, Andrew Col Suplee
- Lieutenants: William S. Sill, Godfrey M. Brindley, Archibald H. Engle, Willam K. Pollock, Walter Scott, William Bowen
It also notes the dedication date of the base: 19-April-1872. The inscription "To Our Fallen Comrades" and the years "1861–1866" are also present.
The statue was rededicated at its current site on June 14, 1991. This was done by the Union League of Philadelphia. The First Regiment Infantry of Pennsylvania and the Fairmount Park Commission also helped.
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a Washington Grays para niños
