Site icon Uncharted Lancaster

Soldiers and Sailors Monument: honoring America’s veterans

  • unchartedadam

    • This is the statue at the top of the Soldiers and Sailors' monument in Penn Square. Photo:Shahan

    Advertisements

    Penn Square, Lancaster, PA 17603

    On July 4, 1874, Lancaster dedicated the Soldiers and Sailors Monument that stands in the heart of Penn Square. The 43 foot tall Gothic Revival memorial was initially designed to pay tribute to Lancastrian Union soldiers killed during the Civil War. However, today it represents those who have served in all American military conflicts.

    A statue representing the cavalry with the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square in the background.

    Five hand-carved stone figures define the monument. Four men, representing the infantry, navy, artillery, and cavalry, surround the base. The larger-than-life, robed “Genius of Liberty,” replete with body armor, drawn sword, and shield, stands atop the pillar facing north.

    The Genius of Liberty atop Soldiers & Sailors Monument

    According to legend, this is a deliberate depiction of turning her back to the Southern states.

    The southwest corner of the monument represents the cavalry.
    The northwest corner of the monument represents the infantry.
    The southeast corner of the monument represents the navy.
    The northeast corner of the monument represents the artillery.

    Check out the great image bird’s eye perspective of The Genius of Liberty from The Drone Geek.

    Exit mobile version