The monument contains the names of 34,530 Pennsylvania soldiers engraved into the interior bronze tablets.
The structure's design includes a rotunda and an observation gallery that provides a panoramic view of the battlefield.
It is the only monument in the park that lists every soldier from a specific state who participated in the battle.
The bronze statue of Victory at the summit was sculpted by Samuel Murray.
The monument was funded by an appropriation of $182,000 from the Pennsylvania state legislature.
Internal stairs are narrow and steep, reflecting original 1910 construction standards.
The site marks the position of the Union's center line during Pickett's Charge.
The monument was specifically placed to commemorate the Commonwealth's contribution as the largest single contributor of troops to the Union Army at Gettysburg.
The State of Pennsylvania Monument is the largest memorial in the Gettysburg National Military Park, standing 110 feet tall. Dedicated in 1910, the monument is constructed of granite and bronze, featuring an observation deck accessible via internal stairs. It lists the names of every Pennsylvania soldier who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, totaling over 34,000 individuals. The structure is topped by a bronze statue of the winged goddess Victory holding a sword and wreath. It is situated on Cemetery Ridge, a pivotal location during the battle's third day. The base is decorated with bronze tablets depicting military units and battle scenes. Visitors can climb the central staircase to reach an open-air viewing platform at the top of the monument.
From the base of the monument looking upward to capture the bronze statue against the sky, or from the top observation deck looking west toward the High Water Mark.
Climb the internal stairs to the observation deck for a 360-degree view of the battlefield landscape.
Bring a flashlight to better read the names engraved on the interior bronze tablets.
Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn to avoid the peak heat of summer inside the stone structure.
Do not attempt the internal climb if you have mobility issues or claustrophobia, as the staircase is confined.
Respectful behavior is expected as this is a war memorial; avoid climbing on exterior bronze tablets.
