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Gettysburg Sculptures
United States
Maj. Gen. John Fulton Reynolds Equestrian Monument, Bronze sculpture by
H. K. Bush-Brown
Located along Route 30 (Chambersburg Pike) north of the McPherson Barn on West McPherson Ridge. (see Google map link at bottom of page)
Major General John Fulton Reynolds Equestrian Monument
Dedicated July 1st, 1899
The third bronze equestrian monument dedicated on the battlefield at Gettysburg was in honor of the Northern Army commander Major General John F. Reynolds.
The State of Pennsylvania in May, 1891 would appropriate funds for three equestrian statues to be erected on the Gettysburg Battlefield. Following the Meade (1896) and Hancock (1896) the Reynolds would be the last to be dedicated.
As wonderful as the Reynolds is it’s also an engineering marvel. The entire bronze statue weighing approximately 9000 pounds is supported on only two legs. The horse is also shown as if in motion.
General Reynolds is depicted casting an eye to his left towards advancing southern troops.
Reynolds appears calm and holds the reins of his horse Fancy in his left hand. Although Reynolds will be killed on the morning of July 1st, 1863 he did great service in placing northern troops on the first day's battlefield.
Photographer William Tipton captured members of the 15th U.S. Cavalry in front of the Reynolds c1912. The 15th U.S. Cavalry was encamped on East Cavalry Field for maneuvers.
The officer on the left is Captain, later Brigadier General, George Columbus Barnhardt (1868-1930). Barnhardt would graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1892. He would do service in the Spanish American War as well as World War 1.
When the monument was dedicated there was carved inscriptions in the granite base. Bronze tablets with more information in regards to General Reynolds were added later covering these original inscriptions.
Bush-Brown felt the Reynolds was his best work. He had sculpted the Meade that was dedicated in 1896 but he writes to a friend in 1898 "I wish you could visit me at Newburgh about July 1st to see the horse for the Gen. Reynolds statue. It is about finished and I think is better than the Meade."
Bush-Brown's knowledge of the equipment used to control a horse are shown in great detail. Note the horse's ears pointed stiffly upward indicating alarm.
The horse bit and curb chain are shown as well as the reins. The bit is set in the back of the horse's mouth between the front teeth and back teeth.
The depiction of the horse's tail shows the horse as being excited. As one reviews these details the horse has a nervous look but Reynolds looks as if in full control of the situation before him.
Bush-Brown has captured many fine details in his work. The leather strap of the spur and the detailed rowel look as if they were actually attached to the boot.
Bush-Brown has shown the texture of the horse's hair in great detail. Included is the saddle blanket and sword with scabbard.
The detail of the horse's hoof and shoe includes nails.
The name of the sculptor H.K.Bush-Brown incised into the completed clay in 1898 now can be seen in the finished bronze.
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Gettysburg Sculptures
United States