Gettysburg Sculptures

Sculptor: Gutzon Borglum

Born: March 25, 1867

Died: March 6, 1941

The life of Borglum  is well documented and many articles and books have been written in regards to his works. Most people have seen images of one of his finest works, the carvings on Mount Rushmore.

However, when one studies the North Carolina Memorial they see a new style of art that Borglum worked to create. With "American" art Borglum experimented with the "emotional impact of volume." When one walks around the monument the pure mass or size stands out. This, as well as the textured surfaces make one realize this is a pure work of art. 

 A rare image of the North Carolina Monument in the clay form located in Borglum's studio. Borglum can be see behind the group in casual conversation. 

 The image above is of the grandchildren of actual North Carolina Veterans that were in attendance at the dedication in 1929. They stand in front of the now dedicated monument.

 The image above shows a ladder and other items used in July, 1929 for the original dedication. It has always been my thought that the little girl in the image is the same that is shown fourth from the left in the image above.  You decide for yourself.

I have included this enlargement of Borglum in his studio with a portion of the clay model on the right of the image.

An original autograph from the sculptor Gutzon Borglum.

The incised signature of Borglum on the base of the monument is almost impossible to decipher.

The A. Kunst Foundry located in New York would cast the massive monument.

Very few people are aware that the North Carolina Memorial was removed from its base in 1985 and was sent to Cincinnati Ohio to be restored. In 1983 during a visit to the battlefield members of the Society for the Historic Preservation of the 26th North Carolina Troops Inc. noted the monuments deteriorating condition. Funds were raised for its restoration and shipment to Ohio. In Ohio, Eleftherios Karkadoulias would steam clean the bronze, scrub it with special detergents and restore its color. Then a thin wax coating would be applied to help protect the monument. The monument was then returned to Gettysburg and rededicated.

Eleftherios Karkadoulias 

Shown above is a Civil War Centennial pamphlet published for the rededication of the North Carolina Memorial held on July 1st, 1963. This copy has been signed by various dignitaires that attended the re-dedication including Luther Hodges  former Governor (1954-1961) of North Carolina and Terry Sanford Governor at the time (1961-1965) of North Carolina.

Above is an original dedication program from the July 3rd, 1929 dedication.