Lancaster New Era photo by Richard Hertzler
The monument s origins
The monument was designed and carved by Lewis Haldy, a Lancaster Civil War veteran and local stonecutter. The monument is of gothic architectural style and the pillar and pedestal are made of fine-grained Rhode Island granite. Batterson, Canfield & Company of Hartford, reportedly the largest supplier of Civil War monuments in the U.S., manufactured the monument, and the construction of the monument cost $26,000. Â
The monument s concept originated in 1867 from The Patriot Daughters of Lancaster, a ladiesâ organization led by Rosina Hubley that supported soldiers. Under Hubleyâs leadership, the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster oversaw fundraising efforts. In December of 1867, they hosted a fundraiser in Fulton Hall, now Fulton Opera House, raising around $3,500. Â