This monument, designed and sculptured by Frederick C. Hibbard, was
erected in 1917 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in memory of
all Southern troops who fought in the battle.
In the center of the massive pedestal is carved the bust of Gen. Albert
Sidney Johnston, the Confederate commander who was killed during the
afternoon of the first day.
At the extreme right, the figure in front represents the Confederate
infantryman who has snatched up his flag in defiance of the Northern
Army. The figure to his rear is the artilleryman who is calm as he
appears to gaze through the smoke of battle.
To the left, the figure in front represents the cavalryman. His hand is
spread, indicating frustration. He is eager to help, but cannot
penetrate the heavy undergrowth. The figure back of the cavalryman
represents the officers of the Confederate Army. He has his head bowed
in submission to the order to cease firing when, it seemed, had it not
been given the first day, there might have been a Confederate victory.
[Illustration: _Duncan Field, between “Hell’s Hollow” and Ruggles’
Battery._]
[Illustration: _Confederate burial trench._]
The central group represents a “Defeated Victory.” The front figure,
representing the Confederacy, is surrendering the laurel wreath of
victory to Death, on the left, and Night, on the right. Death came to
their commander and Night brought reinforcements to the enemy; and the
battle was lost.
The panel of heads on the right represents the spirit of the first day.
How hopefully and fearlessly the 11 young Confederates rushed into
battle!
The panel of heads on the left represents the second day of the battle
and the sorrow of the men, now reduced to 10, over the victory so nearly
won and so unexpectedly lost.
South of the monument, just inside the woods, is the spot where Union
General Prentiss surrendered, with over 2,200 troops, at 5:30 p.m., on
the first day.