Update: November 2004: The magnificent monument to the men of the 74th Pennsylvania which rests along the eastern side of Howard Avenue at the Gettysburg National Military Park once again proudly honors their regiment's memory. National Park Service staff have masterfully repaired the severe damage done when a sports utility vehicle (see below) slammed into the monument late in 2003. Without very close inspection, there is no indication of the initial damage. The picture to the right shows the repaired monument. The one directly below is prior to the accident. A sincere heartfelt thank you goes out to all who made this possible.

On Friday November 14th 2003, the Gettysburg Times reported that a driver traveling through the park lost control of their SUV and slammed into the monument to the 74th Pennsylvania on Howard Avenue. According to the CNN, park officials estimates for repairs range between $15,000 and $20,000. The monument depicting a fallen color bearer protecting the 74th's regimental flag was dedicated in 1888 by the surviving members. It is located along the position held by Union Major General Oliver Otis Howard's during the early afternoon on the first day of the battle. The men of Howard's 11th Corps, of which the 74th Pennsylvania was a part, were overrun by Confederate Major General Jubal Early's Division and were pushed back through town to Cemetery Hill.

 
Click on the image to the left for a larger picture of the damage (courtesy of the National Park Service)

You can find more information about the 74th Pennsylvania at their web site by clicking here.

Update: February 6, 2004

In response to a recent request for an update on the status of the repairs to the 74th PA monument, the National Park Service was kind enough to send the following:

"We are currently compiling a bid package to ensure that the damage is repaired by a qualified conservator.  It is our intention to have the remedial work completed by July, 2004. Because of Federal regulations, the bid process is required, thus work cannot be started immediately.

All sculptural components/fragments have been placed in storage at GNMP until work is initiated. The granite pedestal blocks remain on site, surrounded by a temporary fence.

The cost of the restoration work will be covered by the insurance policy issued to the owner of the vehicle which impacted the monument.

I can understand your dismay regarding the damage. Each monument in the park represents something quite special, and damage to even one, diminishes the memory of the sacrifices made here."

Many thanks to Vic Gavin, Supervisory Exhibits Specialist, for the above.