[1] The site for the monument was dedicated on 15 June 1864 by General George McClellan where he gave a lengthy address and stated that, "The site of the Battle Monument is dedicated in commemoration of the Officers and Privates of the regular Army who have died in the present war".

[7] Inscribed on bronze straps belting the eight monumental "cannon balls" circling the column are the names of 2,230 Regular Army officers and soldiers who died for the Union during the Civil War.

A female statue designed by Frederick MacMonnies[7] sits atop the monument, representing Fame.

Just months after it was unveiled, MacMonnies agreed to replace the original statue after complaints that it was too large and awkward.

[8] Traditionally, the plebes at West Point made reference to the statue of Fame when giving the following reply to any upperclassman demanding to know "How are they all?