Here in south-central Pennsylvania at the Gettysburg National Military Park visitors will find one of the largest collections of sculptures and monuments in the world. Covering nearly 6000 acres, the park service looks after 1300 monuments, 400 cannons and nearly 150 buildings. The largest concentration of memorials is found at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. One of the most visible sculptures in the park, the Soldier's National Monument was the first memorial placed at the battlefield and marks the site of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
   Carved in Italy under the guidance of sculptor Randolph Rogers, the monument is entitled Genius of Liberty. Created from marble and granite, the monument features Lady Liberty standing with sword and laurel wreath. Seated below are four figures representing Peace, Plenty, War and History. The monument, although not fully complete at the time, was dedicated in 1869.
   Another popular memorial site in the park is the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. Erected by both northern and southern states, the Eternal Light was dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt on the battle's 75th anniversary. Featuring the work of Lee Lawrie, more than 250,000 people crowded into Gettysburg to witness the dedication in 1938.
   Made of Maine granite and Alabama limestone, the Eternal Light Peace Memorial was gas-lit until 1979. Replaced by electricity for almost a decade, the gas light was the inspiration for the Eternal Flame at Arlington National Cemetery at President John F. Kennedy's gravesite.

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     Park Map and Guide