Gettysburg Sculptures
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Gettysburg Sculptures
United States
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Featured Monument:
11th Mississippi Infantry Bronze Statue
by William N. Beckwith, Taylor Mississippi
(Located on the west side of West Confederate Avenue. )
Click here to see the Sculptor of the 11th Mississippi Infantry Statue Page
(hover over the lower right corner of photo and a magnifying glass icon will appear. Click on the icon to enlarge the photo)
Color Sergeant William O'Brien, Company "C" 11th Mississippi Infantry bronze statue by sculptor William Beckwith.Dedicated: May 27th, 2000
The statue as viewed from the west. West Confederate Avenue in the background.
(The sculptor's wish was to have the monument displayed approx. 6 to 7 feet above the ground as today the monument is approx. 2 to 3 feet)
The sculptor has displayed the strength and courage required for the southern soldiers on the afternoon of July 3rd to step out and over Seminary Ridge and begin their attack on the northern line almost a mile to the east.
The Regimental flag was given to the members before leaving their home towns for the front. These were often dedicated with great ceremony and many promises were given to never let these flags fall into enemy hands. Here we can see the sculptor has O’Brien holding firmly to the “sacred banner” of the 11th Mississippi.
Looking west, towards Seminary Ridge nearly one mile in the distance. The men of the 11th Mississippi Infantry will cross this field on the afternoon of July 3rd and it is reported they will reach the point indicated by the above monument.
"Imperishable Glory" by Dale Gallon www.gallon.com
The 11th Mississippi Infantry reaching the Brian Barn along Cemetery Ridge. Note the flag in Gallon's painting is a perfect representation to the original. This painting was commissioned by the University of Mississippi.
Dale Gallon's paintings are well known for their authenticity and attention to detail. I proudly own several of his works.
The sculptor, Beckwith, included a "dent" in the tin cup displayed on the monument. These features add to the realistic appearance on the monument. It also keeps the viewer searching for more details.
Wanting to not disappoint, Beckwith included William O'Brien's initials (upside down) on the cup as shown above. 
Note the braided appearance on the hatcord and the well worn look of the hat.
O'Brien urges his comrades forward! O'Brian will be the first of 8 color-bearers killed or wounded on the afternoon of July 3rd.
The cloth cover on the canteen is adorned with the number 11, for the 11th Regiment of Mississippi Infantry. Also note the canteen has several "dents" from use. The canteen depicted on the statue is the more common tin "drum" type canteen.
Dedicated with the statue of the 11th Mississippi Color-bearer was a "farthest point reached" memorial. This memorial is located in front of the Stone Wall west of the 12th New Jersey Infantry's main monument along Hancock Avenue.
Displayed on the east side of the "farthest point" monument sculptor Beckwith has also created the Confederate flag of the 11th lost on July 3rd, 1863.
The flag of the 11th Mississippi Infantry that was lost at Gettysburg. Compare the the original flag with the bronze flag. Beckwith's detail is incredible.
Gettysburg Sculptures
United States