On May 10th, the park discovered that 22 of the historic railings surrounding the Pennsylvania Monument on Wakefield Street had been stolen. The railings, made of bronze, measure seven to eight feet in length and three to four inches in diameter. Of all the monuments in this historic city, the Pennsylvania Monument was the only one to be dedicated in the presence of a United States president. On May 19, 1909, President Taft attended the dedication ceremony along with veterans of Pennsylvania regiments who fought in the Battle of Fort Stedman on March 25, 1865, and the assault on Confederate Fort Mahone on April 2, 1865. The Pennsylvania veterans, who were members of the Third Division of the Ninth Corps, were escorted by the local chapter of the United Confederate Veterans, namely the A.P. Hill Camp. A $500 reward is being offered to anyone who offers information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thief or thieves. Anyone with such information should call either the ranger station at 804-732-3966 or ranger Richard Hotchkiss at 804-691-4786. Information can also be submitted to the Petersburg Police Department at 804-732-4222.
