Owner Comments:
ONLY (26) LISTED IN THE NGC CENSUS OF THIS TYPE AS OF 1/2022. THIS MEDAL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED PL IN MY OPINION.
JEFF SHEVLIN SOLD AN NGC GRADED MS 61 EXAMPLE ON HIS WEBSITE FOR $275.00.
VERMONT STATEHOOD CENTENNIAL 1891, BENNINGTON BATTLE MONUMENT DEDICATION, BENNINGTON, VT
Purpose: To celebrate 100th anniversary of Statehood; to dedicate Bennington Battle Monument.
Organization, History: Centennial Commission created by 1890 legislature; Citizens Committee of Fifty organized as auxiliary to Commission. Bennington Battle Monument Association formed early 1880's to erect memorial to battle of Aug. 16, 1777 where Burgoyne first met defeat in march from Canada to cut off New England from other colonies. Monument cornerstone laid Aug. 16, 1887 "with impressive Masonic ceremonies"; then work "transferred...to...Association for completion." Commission, Citizens' Committee and Monument Association concentrated on monument dedication ceremony almost to complete exclusion of other centennial activities.
Site, Dates: First observance March 4, 1891 (exact anniversary) limited largely to that by legislature in Montpelier. Combined centennial ceremony and monument dedication held at Bennington, Aug. 19, 1891, in presence of "many thousands."
Comment: Apparently greater emphasis given dedication of Bennington Battle Monument than Statehood centennial. Monument is simple shaft of limestone, in form of obelisk, 300 ft. high; designed by J. Ph. Rinn, Boston. Celebration consisted mainly of military parade and historical oratory; concluded by Ex-Gov. Prescott, Association President transferring monument to state; accepted by Gov. Page.
Medals: Official Medal designed by Centennial Commission and Monument Association; extent of issue not known.
THESE MEDALS WERE STRUCK BY PHILADELPHIA MEDALIST WILLIAM H. WARNER, WHO WAS THE BROTHER OF COLONEL SETH WARNER COMMEMORATED ON THIS MEDAL.
GENERAL STARK-COLONEL WARNER DOLLAR