Gettysburg Sculptures

Major General Abner Doubleday Statue

Dedicated: September 25, 1917

The New York Monuments Commision allocated $8000.00 for the construction of the monument with the final cost amounting to $7527.68. The site for the monument was selected on September 26, 1916 and approved by the War Department. Sculptor J. Massey Rhind of New York was selected to sculpt the statue. The bronze casting was done by Jno. Williams of New York and the granite pedestal was constructed by Worden-Gilboy Company of Batavia, New York. The bronze statue stands 9 feet in height with a total height of the monument and pedestal being 20 feet. 

 The sculptor Rhind presented a very concerned but determined Doubleday. The location of the monument was selected partially because this area is where Doubleday would assist in sending troops into Reynold's Woods to stop the early advance of southern troops.

The details presented to us by the sculptor include the officer's eagle belt plate and buttons. The coat shows the pulls of the cloth at the button holes adding to the realistic view of this staute.

Doubleday has a firm grip on his sword which shows the determination he had on July 1, 1863. Also note the detailed officers sash and knots worn under the sword belt.

As southern troops advanced on the morning of July 1st, Doubleday would have used his field glasses to watch. The sculptor included this important tool used by officers in the Civil War.

The veins in Doubleday's hand can be seen as he confidently holds his sword. The sword knot presented in great detail hangs from the sword's wire wrapped grip.

The Doubleday and Robinson bronze statues were dedicated on the same day and would be the sixth and seventh statues dedicated to New York officers. We will present the John C. Robinson monument at a later time. Prior to the dedication of these two statues five other New York Officers were remembered with bronze statues.  They include in order of dedication, General Warren, General Slocum, General Greene, General Wadsworth and General Webb.

At the dedication  ceremonies medals were given to the veterans in attendance. These medals were to be worn and were kept as keepsakes. Today they are highly sought by collectors of Gettysburg memorabilia.

Close up view of the dedication medal for the Doubleday and Robinson Statues.