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Gettysburg Sculptures
United States
Brig.-General Alexander Stewart Webb Monument
Dedicated October 12, 1915
(Located on east side of Hancock Ave. facing the "Angle")
Also see the Sculptor of the Webb Monument Related Page for additional info on this monument.
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Brig. General Alexander Stewart Webb
Born: Feb. 15, 1835 - Died: Feb. 12, 1911
Awarded the Medal Of Honor September 28, 1891 for "distinguished personal gallantry in leading his men forward at a critical period in the contest" at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863.
With so many monuments and bronze portrait statues at Gettysburg, the average visitor may not pay special attention to the bronze portrait statue dedicated to General Webb.
Webb was born in New York City to a prominent family with a strong military lineage. His father, James Webb, was a regular army officer. His grandfather, Samuel Webb, had been wounded at Bunker Hill and was a member of General George Washington's staff.
Webb graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1855 and was commissioned a lieutenant in the Artillery. With the coming of the Civil War, Webb would serve in many appointed positions such as aid-de-camp to Gen. Barry, Chief of Staff for Gen. Fitz John Porter and Chief of Staff for Gen. George Meade then commanding the V Corps.
During the battle of Chancellorsville, May 1863, Gen. Meade gave Webb temporary command of Gen. Tyler's brigade where he performed well. Meade in his official report noted that Webb performed with "intelligence and zeal." Webb would be promoted to Brig. Gen. 23 June,1863.
Three days before the battle of Gettysburg, Gen. Webb would receive command of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, II Corps when he relived Gen. Owen who had been arrested. The men in the brigade did not appreciate Webb's meticulously groomed and well-dressed appearance. He would earn their respect through his attention to detail and discipline.
The battle of Gettysburg would be find Brig. Gen. Webb leading four infantry regiment from Pennsylvania. These regiments were known as the "Philadelphia Brigade" due to their muster in at Philadelphia. It would be the only brigade raised from a single city. As chance would have it Webb's brigade would be positioned in the center of the Northern battle line on Cemetery Ridge. Webb's position would be attacked on 3 July, by men of Pickett's Division, Army of Northern Virginia. As Pickett's men would breach Webb's line positioned along a stone wall, Webb would lead a counter attack to close this gap receiving a wound to the thigh and groin. Webb would later receive the Medal of Honor for his actions during Pickett's Charge.
Webb would again be wounded at Spotsylvania in May 1864. Returning to duty in 1865, he would serve in the Army until 1870. After his military career, Webb would serve as president of the City College of New York.
Dedication Day, the Family of General Alexander Webb at the monument,October, 12th, 1915.The monument was unveiled by Miss Anne R. Alexandre, Granddaughter of General Webb.
To preview location map of the monument click on link below:
Bronze sculpture of Webb located at Gettysburg.
The sculptor has designed the monument to portray a proud pose and a sense of alertness. In the eyes can be seen fire and resolve.
Note how the sculptor, J. Massey Rhind, added life to the monument by having the collar of the coat upward, as if blown by the wind.
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Gettysburg Sculptures
United States