History of the Brother-to-Brother Masonic Monument
“Observing that his suffering was very great I said to him, General, I am Captain Bingham of General Hancock's staff, and if you have anything valuable in your possession which you desire taken care of, I will take care of it for you.” - Letter from Captain Bingham to General Hancock,
Volume I, The Bachelder Papers, page 350.
In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a powerful monument stands as a testament to the enduring values of our fraternity: compassion, brotherhood, and humanity. The Friend-to-Friend Masonic Memorial, dedicated in 1993, honors a remarkable moment during the Civil War where fraternal bonds transcended the brutal realities of war. For decades, this story has served as a great reminder that even in times of great conflict, the principles of Freemasonry—brotherly love, relief, and truth—can inspire acts of kindness and unity.
The Friend to Friend Memorial in Gettysburg, PA
The Men Behind the Monument
The Friend-to-Friend Memorial depicts two Freemasons who found themselves on opposite sides of the Civil War during one of its bloodiest days. Even amidst the harrowing battle, these men were united by their shared values. Confederate Brigadier General Lewis Addison Armistead was a seasoned soldier, known for his courage and leadership. Despite his friendship and close ties to important military personnel in the Union Army, such as Union Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, Armistead chose to fight for the Confederacy, driven by loyalty to his native Virginia. Both Armistead and Hancock were Freemasons, bonded by the tenets of the Craft long before the war divided them.
Union Army Captain and Freemason Henry H. Bingham
The other important figure in this scene was Union Captain Henry Harrison Bingham, who served as Judge Advocate on Brother Hancock's staff and was also a Freemason, belonging to Chartiers Lodge #297 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. While Brother Bingham’s encounter with Brother Armistead has become emblematic of Masonic brotherhood, historical records suggest the meeting was coincidental rather than the result of an intentional Masonic appeal. Nevertheless, Brother Bingham’s actions on that day exemplified the Masonic tenet of relief, which is central to Freemasonry.
Confederate Brigadier General and Freemason Lewis Addison Armistead
Pickett’s Charge and the Act of Brotherhood
By the summer of 1863, the Civil War had entered its third year, with Confederate General Robert E. Lee leading his Army of Northern Virginia into Union territory. This ambitious invasion culminated in the Battle of Gettysburg, the most famous engagement of the entire war. It was fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, and would become a turning point in the war that saw both sides suffer devastating casualties.
Brother Armistead’s brigade arrived in Gettysburg on the evening of July 2, preparing for what today is considered one of the most infamous assaults in American military history: Pickett’s Charge. On the afternoon of July 3, Lee ordered a direct assault on the center of the Union line. Brother Armistead, leading his brigade from the front with his hat raised high on the tip of his saber, charged toward the Union defenses at a stone wall known as The Angle.
A Moment of Compassion on the Battlefield
Armistead’s brigade advanced farther than any other Confederate unit, breaching the Union line at The Angle in what is now referred to as the high-water mark of the Confederacy. Despite their bravery, the Confederates were quickly overwhelmed by a Union counterattack. During the charge, Armistead was shot three times, including once in his arm and twice below his knee. The wounds were initially believed to be non-lethal but ultimately proved fatal.
Pickett’s Charge, by Edwin Forbes
As he lay on the battlefield, Brother Armistead made a plea to ensure his personal effects, particularly his Masonic items, were delivered to Union General and Brother Winfield Scott Hancock, his close friend and fellow Mason. Kindly, the fates delivered Brother Henry Harrison Bingham to his side to answer his call. Brother Bingham provided comfort to the wounded Brother Armistead, assuring him that his wishes would be honored, an extraordinary moment of tenderness, care, and respect between adversaries amid the bitterness of war.
The Golden Age of Fraternalism
The moment between Brother Armistead and Brother Bingham is just one of many examples of Masonic brotherhood during the Civil War. Thousands of Brothers served on both sides, leading to countless encounters and acts of brotherly love. From battlefields to prisoner camps, cities to villages, Freemasons upheld their commitment to the Craft, proving that their obligations to one another transcended systems of government, religion, or race.
These countless acts of kindness changed the course of our fraternity and the nation. In the decades following the war, Freemasonry flourished in the United States, ushering in what is now known as the Golden Age of Fraternalism. From 1870 to 1920, fraternal orders—led primarily by Freemasonry—saw unprecedented growth. At its peak, it is estimated that 40 percent of American men belonged to a fraternal organization. From the ashes of war, Masons rebuilt, erecting some of the most impressive Masonic structures in the country, grand temples standing as a testament to the resilience and values of the Craft that remain as strong as ever today.
The Creation of the Memorial
The story of Brother Armistead and Brother Bingham resonated deeply with Freemasons and historians alike. To honor this act of fraternal compassion, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania worked alongside the National Park Service to establish the Friend-to-Friend Masonic Memorial. Dedicated on August 21, 1993, the monument was unveiled within the Gettysburg National Cemetery annex, near the Visitors’ Center.
Sculpted by renowned artist Ron Tunison, the bronze statue depicts Brother Bingham cradling the wounded Brother Armistead while raising his arm in a gesture of comfort. Surrounding the statue, one finds plaques and inscriptions that detail the historical significance of the moment and its connection to Masonic values.
Visiting the memorial is a moving experience for Masons and non-Masons alike. As Americans, it serves not only as a historical marker but also as an inspiration for us to be more compassionate in our daily lives as we pursue happiness in our diverse, rich, and complex culture. For Freemasons, it is a place to reflect on the responsibilities we bear to one another, both within the Craft and in the world at large. It reminds us that our obligations to one another transcend personal beliefs, political divides, and, in this case, the battle lines of war.
The Friend-to-Friend Masonic Memorial stands as a symbol of what it means to be a Mason: to extend kindness and relief wherever it is needed, regardless of the challenges. It reminds us that, even amidst conflict, the bonds of brotherhood can prevail and invites all who visit to reflect on the power of shared values to bridge divides and heal wounds, even in the most trying circumstances.
The words of the plaque on the memorial beautifully encapsulate its spirit:
Friend-to-Friend
Union General Winfield Scott Hancock and Confederate General Lewis Addison Armistead were personal friends and members of the Masonic Fraternity.
Although they had served and fought side by side in the United States Army prior to the Civil War, Armistead refused to raise his sword against his fellow Southerners and joined the Confederate Army in 1861.
Both Hancock and Armistead fought heroically in the previous twenty-seven months of the war. They were destined to meet at Gettysburg.
During Pickett’s Charge, Armistead led his men gallantly, penetrating Hancock’s line. Ironically, when Armistead was mortally wounded, Hancock was also wounded.
Depicted in this sculpture is Union Captain Henry Bingham, a Mason and staff assistant to General Hancock, himself wounded, rendering aid to the fallen Confederate General. Armistead is shown handing his watch and personal effects to be taken to his friend, Union General Hancock.
Hancock survived the war and died in 1886. Armistead died at Gettysburg July 5, 1863. Captain Bingham attained the rank of General and later served 32 years in the United States House of Representatives. He was known as the “Father of the House.”
Shown on the wall surrounding this monument are the names of the States whose soldiers fought at the Battle of Gettysburg.