US Civil War New Hampshire Gettysburg 50th Anniversary Reunion Veterans Medal – NH Delegate Medal by Whitehead & Hoag

This is an original and exceptionally detailed veterans’ commemorative medal issued to a New Hampshire Civil War veteran attending the historic 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Battle of Gettysburg, held in July 1913. This particular example was manufactured by the Whitehead & Hoag Company of Newark, New Jersey and issued to attendees representing the State of New Hampshire, as indicated by the large suspended drop in the shape of the Granite State, featuring the iconic Old Man of the Mountain and the initials “NH.”

The elaborate medal consists of a brass and enamel top bar featuring enameled American and Confederate flags, united beneath a red, white, and blue draped banner. Above are raised portraits of an aging Union and Confederate soldier, both facing one another, symbolizing reconciliation and brotherhood. Centered at the top of the badge is a laurel wreath surrounding a pair of clasped hands—another powerful symbol of national healing. Suspended from this is a tricolor ribbon in red, white, and blue, printed with the words: “1863 – 1913 / 50th Anniversary / Gettysburg.”

The drop pendant—a hallmark of these state-specific reunion medals—is cast in the silhouette of New Hampshire and features the likeness of the “Old Man of the Mountain,” a cherished state symbol. Above the profile are crossed rifles and the star of the Grand Army of the Republic, the fraternal organization of Union veterans. The reverse is maker-marked by Whitehead & Hoag, one of the premier American manufacturers of medals and badges during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Battle of Gettysburg & New Hampshire’s Role

The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863) marked the turning point of the American Civil War, culminating in a decisive Union victory that halted General Robert E. Lee’s second invasion of the North. It was the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil, with over 50,000 casualties in just three days. The Union Army of the Potomac, under General George G. Meade, repelled Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia in a fierce struggle that included iconic engagements such as Pickett’s Charge, the defense of Little Round Top, and the deadly fighting in the Peach Orchard and Wheatfield.

New Hampshire played a significant and often underappreciated role in the Union victory at Gettysburg. Three regiments from the state—primarily the 5th, 6th, and 12th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry—participated in the battle as part of the II Corps under General Winfield Scott Hancock. These regiments saw intense action on July 2nd and 3rd, particularly near Cemetery Ridge and the Sunken Road.

• The 5th New Hampshire Infantry, commanded by Colonel Edward E. Cross, was one of the most battle-hardened units in the Union Army. During the second day of the battle, the regiment took part in a brutal engagement in the Wheatfield. Colonel Cross, already wounded multiple times in previous battles, was mortally wounded here. The 5th NH suffered heavy casualties but held its ground, earning further distinction as one of the most valorous regiments of the war.

• The 6th and 12th New Hampshire were also engaged with the II Corps, providing reinforcement and support during the climactic moments of the Confederate assaults. Their steadfastness under fire and contribution to the Union defense earned the praise of commanders and the lasting gratitude of their state.

The 1913 Gettysburg Reunion

The 50th Anniversary of Gettysburg, held from June 29 to July 4, 1913, was among the largest and most emotionally charged veterans’ reunions in American history. Over 50,000 surviving Union and Confederate veterans—many of whom were in their 70s and 80s—returned to the battlefield where they had once fought. The reunion was a monumental effort of logistics and national sentiment, sponsored by both the federal government and individual states.

Veterans were housed in massive tent cities, segregated by state, and treated to parades, speeches, reenactments, and remembrance services. President Woodrow Wilson, in one of his first major national addresses, spoke on July 4th, emphasizing themes of unity and reconciliation. The high point came on July 3rd, when Union and Confederate veterans symbolically reenacted Pickett’s Charge—only this time, instead of clashing in deadly combat, the aging soldiers met at the stone wall on Cemetery Ridge and embraced in peace.

Each state issued commemorative medals or badges to its veterans. These pieces were worn proudly during the reunion and treasured afterward as symbols of service, sacrifice, and the hope for a united America. This New Hampshire version remains one of the more visually distinctive state-issued reunion medals, owing to its uniquely shaped drop and finely cast details.

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