4th Maine Monument Rock Base

[Gettysburg Greg]

In one of Weaver's photographs taken at Gettysburg in Devil's Den on November 11, 1863, the rock that would eventually be the base for the 4th Maine monument can be clearly seen in the background. The top of the rock is concave, so much so that there was a bush or tree growing from the depression. See the arrow in top photo. In the late 1890's, several years after the 4th Maine monument was erected, several modifications/corrections were made. The name of the commander of the 4th, Colonel Elijah Walker, had been left off the monument, so it was added, the casualty figures were wrong, so they were corrected, and the flank markers were placed in the proper location. The concave nature of the monument I pointed out in the 1863 photo led to an unforeseen problem. Water accumulated around the base of the monument eventually causing it to lean in one direction. The thoughtful veterans came up with a novel solution. They carved a channel in the rock to drain the accumulated water. In my photo on the bottom, I am pointing out the carved channel and the stain on the rock from over 120 years of drainage.

 

[Reconstructed Rebel]

Is the gentleman in the top picture holding something in his hand? A thigh bone?

 

[Gettysburg Guide #154]

I never before noticed the channel. I will be looking for it the next time I get a chance.

I cannot picture where the large boulder shown in the early photo is located. Could it have been moved to build the road?

There is another, more crude monument to the 4th Maine Infantry located just a few rods northeast from its more prominent marker. It is a carving in a rock. Look carefully and one can even make out the 3d Corps Badge.

The true history of the carving is not known, at least to me. (I confess that I have never taken the time to pull the records of the dedication of the official monument so see if it says anything about the carving.) It has been suggested that veterans of the 4th Maine carved this to mark their place on the battlefield well before the official regimental monument was dedicated.

 

[Gettysburg Greg]

Is the gentleman in the top picture holding something in his hand? A thigh bone?

I have asked that question many times and gotten a variety of possibilities. From sword scabbard to body hook, and some believe it is an impression on the rock-I disagree. I don't know, but love the discussion.

 

[lupaglupa]

A thigh bone?

It's a little scary that that was your guess.....

 

[Reconstructed Rebel]

It's a little scary that that was your guess.....

Didn't mean to be morose! Both men are looking down at something. I read an article first published (I think) in a newspaper that recounts the popular sightseeing tours available in Gettysburg the summer after the war which specifically mentions the numerous bones in the Plum Run valley and around Devils Den that are turned out from their shallow graves as being a particular attraction- which is very sad to say. We can be sure no one whose loved one died in that area would feel that way. Truly it is hallowed ground.