Within two weeks of the Battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg lawyer David McConaughy began his quest to preserve the land. He purchased Steven’s Knoll with the intent of building a memorial there, and to enlarge the adjoining cemetery. His efforts were bolstered by the support of another local attorney, David Wills. Wills pursued the development of a national cemetery for the Union soldiers at Gettysburg, while McConaughy went his own way to form the first organization dedicated to preserving a portion of the battlefield, which eventually led to the establishment of Gettysburg National Military Park.
Gettysburg’s First Monument
For years after the war, many Union veterans wanted no Confederate monuments on the battlefield. But over time the bitterness faded, and in the late 1800s, the War Department began to encourage the erection of monuments to Confederate troops.
Monument Facts
The North Carolina monument was designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, best known for the four presidents on Mount Rushmore. John Burns is the only civilian honored with a statue at Gettysburg. The 70 year-old veteran of the War of 1812 took up his musket, walked out to the battlefield and fought beside the members of the Iron Brigade. He was injured in battle and became a national hero.
Abner Doubleday didn’t really invent baseball – but this Union Major General does have a bronze monument dedicated to him on the Gettysburg Battlefield.
Preserve the Monuments
Battlefield rehabilitation is underway right now, to return the landscape as closely as possible to its condition during the battle. Soon, visitors will be able to stand at any of the markers or monuments and picture the battlefield from the perspective of the units that fought on that piece of land.
That was the intent of the Civil War veterans who originally initiated the effort to preserve the battlefield. In effect, the park is preserving their vision. It is how they wanted their comrades to be remembered. And it is how they, themselves, wanted to be remembered.
Join us in our efforts to preserve Gettysburg National Military Park for future generations. Find out how you can help.
