The monument was sculpted by Bill Beckwith, and dedicated on May 27, 2000. This view was taken from the southwest facing northeast at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 2, 2008.
Speaking of ugly monuments. In the Gettysburg Daily’s opinion, the second ugliest monument at Gettysburg National Military Park (after the Longstreet Monument featured yesterday) is the monument to the 11th Mississippi Infantry Regiment on Seminary Ridge, in the area of the North Carolina monument. Again, the monument seems out of proportion, especially in the way the arm is shaped as the color bearer waves the troops forward during the Pickett-Trimble-Pettigrew Assault/Longstreet Assault/Pickett’s Charge.
The 11th Mississippi did not fight with the rest of Joseph Davis’ Brigade on the first day at Gettysburg. The monument claims that they entered the fight on July 3, 1863 with 394 members. 110 were killed or mortally wounded. 193 were wounded. 37 were captured. Total 340 or 86%. This view was taken from the northeast facing southwest at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 2, 2008.
Busey and Martin’s Regimental Strength and Losses at Gettysburg claims that the 11th Mississippi entered the Battle of Gettysburg with 592 members. 102 were killed or mortally wounded. 168 were wounded. 42 were missing or captured. Total 312 or 53%. Still a significant number. This view was taken from the north facing south at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 2, 2008.
The monument depicts color bearer William O’Brien of Company C. He was the first of eight color bearers of the 11th Mississippi killed or wounded during the charge on July 3, 1863. This view was taken from the south facing north at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 2, 2008.
The monument represents very brave men. The shape and/or style, however, are not very inspirational. This view was taken from the northwest facing southeast at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 2, 2008.