Soldiers and Sailors Monument, (sculpture).

Soldiers and Sailors Monument, (sculpture).

John M. Gessler & Sons, fabricator.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument, (sculpture).

Union Soldiers and Sailors Monument, (sculpture).

Preston Soldiers Monument, (sculpture).

1903. Installed Oct. 12, 1903. Dedicated Oct. 31, 1903.

Digital Reference:

Figure and base: white beryl granite from Vermont.

Figure: approx. 6 ft. x 24 in. x 24 in.; Base: approx. 25 ft. x 8 ft. 6 in. x 6 ft.

(On front of lower base, in raised letters:) IN MEMORY OF THE/SOLDIERS & SAILORS/OF PRESTON COUNTY (On lower portion of tapered shaft, in relief:) 1861/1865

A Civil War soldier standing at parade rest. He holds the barrel of a rifle with both hands. The butt of the rifle rests in front of his proper right foot. He wears a mustache, a "slouch" cap, and a knee-length coat with a cape attached at the neck. His proper left leg is forward and slightly bent at the knee, while his proper right leg is straight and appears to carry his weight. The proper left foot as well as the gun stock extend slightly past the edge of the plinth. The base is comprised of three distinct sections. The lower section consists of three tiers of granite. The middle section of the base consists of a rectangle with an engaged column on either side. The base and capital of each column is rough textured stone while the center section is polished.

On the front of the middle section of the base is a low relief of an eagle, a flag and a star. Atop the middle section is a tall, tapered shaft. The top of the shaft ends with a crenelated element which forms a platform for the figure. On the tapered shaft is a low relief of the West Virginia state seal.

History -- United States -- Civil War

Occupation -- Military -- Soldier

Dress -- Uniform -- Military Uniform

Object -- Weapon -- Gun

Figure male -- Full length

Outdoor Sculpture -- West Virginia -- Kingwood

Administered by Preston County, Preston County Commission, Preston County Courthouse, Main Street, Kingwood, West Virginia 26537

Located Preston County Courthouse, Courthouse lawn, Corner of Price Street and Route 7, Kingwood, West Virginia 26537

IAS files contain related articles from Preston County Journal (Kingwood, WV), Nov. 5, 1903, pg. 1-5 and "Preston County West Virginia History," Preston County Historical Society, 1979, pg. 30, which discuss in detail the commissioning and dedication of the monument. The idea for the monument originated with Kelley Post 111 G.A.R. in Kingwood in 1893. The County Court leased the land to the Kelly Post in 1895. By December of that same year, the design for the monument was selected and a treasurer's bond for $1,500 secured. The following October, the foundation was laid at a cost of $167.16, but delays were incurred. On May 16, 1903, a contract was awarded to John M. Gessler & Sons of West Philadelphia. Contract price: $3,500.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, West Virginia survey, 1992.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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