Very early photograph of Hancock Monument, Gettysburg

This is a photograph of the Equestrian Monument to Major General Winfield Scott Hancock on the Gettysburg battlefield. The actual photograph measures 3 1/8” x 4 1/8” and is mounted on the photographers board which measures 6” x 5”.

On Friday, June 5, 1896, Brevet Brig. Gen. Henry Bingham stood before a crowd of Union veterans and citizens gathered on East Cemetery Hill at Gettysburg. Bingham turned toward the newly unveiled equestrian statue of his former commander, Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock, and spoke:

“And you, great soldier, commissioned a generation ago to carry triumphant the flag of your country on this field of battle—the greatest of the century—well done! Pennsylvania, your native state, commissions you as sentinel over this hallowed ground. The army is all around you; the lines of battle are marked in stone, and you of bronze and iron, will ever watch and ward.”

This photograph was probably taken by Tipton or Mumper around the turn of the century, it is typical of their style but there are no markings. The view itself is kind of light, but the scene is obvious (see modern view). This is a very unusual size – most were almost identical but much larger. The card and photo are in excellent condition, no bends or tears.  (FREE SHIPPING)