This is the Soldiers National Monument located in the center of the semicircle in the Soldier's National Cemetery at Gettysburg. The designer of the cemetery, William Saunders planned for a monument to be placed there at the highest point of the cemetery.
The monument was designed by James G Batterson, and the five figures which adorn the monument were sculpted by Randolph Rogers. The monument is 60 feet high, with a 25 foot base made mostly out of Westerly, Rhode Island granite. The cornerstone was laid 4 Jul 1865, in a ceremony with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
The five figures on the Soldiers National Monument are carved from Italian marble. The sculptures were done in Italy and shipped here. These figures have meaning. The one at the top of the monument is the Genius of Liberty. She holds both a wreath of peace and a sword to represent the struggle for freedom. The other four figures are a soldier epitomizing War, who is telling his story to Clio the Goddess of History. A mechanic standing in for Peace and Plenty holding a shock of wheat. You may also note that there are 18 stars circling the monument which are for each of the "States whose sons gave their lives."
The monument was dedicated 1 July 1869. The prayer was given by Henry Ward Beecher. The address was recited by George G Meade.
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