The Virginia State Memorial "Avenue"
On January 20, 1917 the Adams County News* reported that Congress would be asked to "appropriate sufficient money to construct an avenue around the new Virginia Monument." When the state of Virginia appropriated funds to build the Virginia memorial there were no funds set aside to build the semi-circle avenue. However, because of the design of the monument and its position facing the northern battle line it would be difficult for visitors to view the front. "In order to see the monument from the front, tourists in automobiles or other vehicles must dismount and walk around if they wish to get the full benefit" so wrote the Adams County News. The News continued "it would be most unpleasant think all concerned, to have this condition continued."
By the time it was determined there was the need for an avenue, the Virginia Memorial was complete and the statues veiled. The National Park Commission understanding this need planned the "avenue will be built in the form of a semi-circle, leaving West Confederate avenue at a point a little to the north of the memorial and joining it near the woods to the south." The Commission also recognized this was no little task. "To do this will require no little grading for there is a great depression immediately east of the shaft."
By the time it was determined there was the need for an avenue, the Virginia Memorial was complete and the statues veiled. The National Park Commission understanding this need planned the "avenue will be built in the form of a semi-circle, leaving West Confederate avenue at a point a little to the north of the memorial and joining it near the woods to the south." The Commission also recognized this was no little task. "To do this will require no little grading for there is a great depression immediately east of the shaft."
Today cars and buses use the semi-circle avenue around the Virginia State Memorial to view the front.
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View of the Virginia Memorial Avenue looking north east.
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The Commission would begin drawing up plans for the new avenue. It's design would be constructed as most other avenues in the park in the macadam style. Congressional funds were approved in the amount of $925.00 and contract No. 361 was made with M & T. E. Farrell*** for the construction of the avenue**. The avenue was completed June 2, 1917 just six days before the dedication ceremonies were scheduled to take place. Following the dedication minor finishing work was needed and was completed on June 30. Today this semi-circle avenue is used by many to attain a 360 degree view of the Virginia State Memorial and its wonderful bronze statues.
*Adam County News (Gettysburg Pennsylvania) 20 January, 1917.
**Battlefield Commission Report 1917
*** M & T.E. Farrell was Michael, Timothy & Edward Farrell. This company was from West Chester Pennsylvania. This contractor was selected to build the Virginia Memorial Avenue as they would build the majority of the Gettysburg Battlefield roads.
**Battlefield Commission Report 1917
*** M & T.E. Farrell was Michael, Timothy & Edward Farrell. This company was from West Chester Pennsylvania. This contractor was selected to build the Virginia Memorial Avenue as they would build the majority of the Gettysburg Battlefield roads.
A short video at the Virginia State Memorial and a view of the avenue.