Sculpture: bronze; Relief: bronze; Base: stone boulder
Type:
Sculptures-Outdoor Sculpture
Sculptures
Owner/Location:
Administered by United States Department of the Interior National Park Service Washington District of Columbia
Administered by Gettysburg National Military Park 97 Taneytown Road Gettysburg Pennsylvania 17325
Located Gettysburg National Military Park South of Confederate Avenue, near Plum Run Gettysburg Pennsylvania 17325
Date:
Ca. 1913. Dedicated May 30, 1914
Notes:
Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985
Gettysburg Battlefield.
National Park Service, American Monuments and Outdoor Sculpture Database, PA5050, 1989.
Monumental News, Feb. 1913, pg. 126.
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Pennsylvania survey, 1995.
J. Otto Schweizer, Sc. / Gorham Co. Founders (On plaque on right side of base:) WILLIAM WELLS/BREVET MAJOR GENERAL U.S. VOLS./1837-1892 (history of his military career) (On plaque on left side of base: description of events of July 3, 1863) signed Founder's mark appears.
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary:
A portrait of Major Wells striding forward as he leads the Second Battalion of the 1st Vermont Cavalry across Plum Run in their charge against Law's Brigade on the afternoon of July 3, 1863. His saber is raised in his proper right hand and his proper left hand rests on the handle of a sword that hangs on his proper left side. The sculpture is installed on a stone boulder adorned with a bronze relief depicting Major Wells' charge against Law's Brigade at 5:00 on the afternoon of July 3, 1863. On the far left of the relief, Major Wells can be seen brandishing a saber. On his right, a mortally wounded Brigadier General Elon Farnsworth falls from his horse. Behind Wells, Capt. Henry C. Parson is lying face down on his horse. To the right of Capt. Parsons is F. Stewart Stranahan, First Sergeant Troop L. with his saber raised.
