The Unmarked Valor of a Civil War Hero
Amidst the echoes of past battles and the reverent discussions of history enthusiasts, the tale of Col. Strong Vincent is one that resonates through the ages. Known for his pivotal role on , during the fierce confrontation at Little Round Top in the Battle of Gettysburg, Vincent's tactical acumen and bravery were instrumental in turning the tides of the Civil War. Despite his defining contributions and the ultimate sacrifice—he was mortally wounded in battle—Vincent's heroics remained without a commemorative monument for more than a century.
Micheal Kraus: A Lifelong Commitment to Civil War History
Enter Michael Kraus, a figure captivated not merely by history, but by every nuance of the Civil War era. Kraus, an avid student, and collector of historical artifacts soon became conversant with Vincent's legacy while he was an art student at Edinboro University, not far from Vincent's hometown of Waterford, Pa. This proximity to Vincent's past did not just foster familiarity; it laid the foundation for what would become a deeply personal and artistically resonant undertaking.
A Dream Commission to Honor an Erie Hero
It was in 1995 that a dedicated committee in Erie took the initiative to rightfully honor their local legend with the respect long overdue—a statue. For Kraus, being entrusted with the creation of Vincent's statue was nothing short of a dream project. He worked closely with the committee, painstakingly sculpting not just a figure, but the essence of Vincent’s command—capturing the colonel at the very precipice of destiny, just before a Confederate bullet would alter his fate.
Impeccable Detail, Unmistakable Dedication
With an artist's skill and a historian's precision, Kraus left no stone unturned to achieve historical authenticity. From the Colonel's uniform to his distinguished likeness, every element was a product of meticulous research and dedication. Kraus's own collection of Civil War antiques, along with extensive reference material, guided his hand, allowing him to breathe life into a bronze effigy so vivid, onlookers could imagine it springing to life and back into the fray of battle.
The Commemoration that Stirred the Hearts
The year marked the realization of Erie’s homage to their war hero, as the statue was unveiled before an assembly of admirers and history aficionados. The dedication ceremony, held at the Blasco Memorial Library, Erie, Pa, was a confluence of pride, gratitude, and historical reflection. Standing tall at seven feet, the bronze testament to Vincent’s valor did indeed receive "rave reviews," as the likeness of Col. Strong Vincent finally claimed its place in public veneration.
Contact Information
While we commend those active in the field of historic preservation and those like Michael Kraus who lend their talents to immortalize our heroes, we remind our readers to reach out to historians and artists for more insightful details into the chapters of our past that shape our national identity. Celebrating history, after all, is celebrating our shared heritage and the foundation upon which our present was built.