Albert Woolson - 1956

Albert Woolson was the Last Survivor of the U.S. Civil War.  In 1953, Avard T. Fairbanks was commissioned to create a sculptured portrait bust of Mr. Woolson, as well as a heroic-size seated figure which was erected behind Cemetery Ridge on the Gettysburg Battlefield. 

The sculpture was created in 1953.  Mr. Woolson was 107 years old.  Grant R. Fairbanks, M.D. and his brother, David N.F. Fairbanks were teenagers when they met Mr. Woolson, and they asked him the poignant question, “Mr. Woolson, how come you lived so long?”  Mr. Woolson’s answer was, “Well boys, I just stay away from doctors.”  He then said something which we did not understand at the time when he said, “You know boys, I won the war!” 

We thought to ourselves, “This old dude won the Civil War?”  The fact was that everyone else was dead, so sometimes surviving is considered winning.  An original bronze casting of the Albert Woolson portrait bust was donated by Grant R. Fairbanks, M.D. to the Battle of Franklin Trust Museum in Franklin, Tennessee.  

​​​​​​​This artwork is not reproducible, it is not for sale. We are showing this U.S. historical artwork of Avard T. Fairbanks as a gallery exbibit.