Was this soldier sculpted mid-march? Right here before you stands the 1st Regiment Infantry National Guard of Philadelphia Statue. This unique bronze sculpture, crafted by Henry Kirke Bush-Brown, captures a Civil War soldier in full stride. Commissioned in 1911, the statue commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1st Regiment Infantry. This regiment boasts a rich history. They were successors to the Gray Reserves, established in 1822. When Fort Sumter fell in 1861, the 1st Regiment was among the first to answer the call to arms. Originally intended for Fairmount Park, the 1st Regiment Infantry National Guard of Philadelphia Statue found a temporary home in front of the Union League of Philadelphia. However, no permanent site was ever chosen. The statue was ultimately gifted to the Union League in 1962, marking the regiment’s centennial anniversary. Today, the Spirit of ’61, as it’s also known, stands as a powerful reminder of the valor and sacrifice of those who served.
Building 662
“Building 662, a sturdy brick structure, stands before you.” “It’s not a grand masterpiece, but a testament to practicality,” “Built