Have you ever considered the stories whispered by silent statues? Here at the Peace Monument, those whispers echo with tales of war, loss, and the enduring hope for peace. The Peace Monument, also known as the Navy Monument, stands as a poignant tribute to the sailors and marines who perished in the Civil War. It’s a striking blend of classical figures and symbolic elements, crafted from gleaming white Carrara marble.
The Peace Monument was the brainchild of Admiral David Dixon Porter, a distinguished naval officer who served during the Civil War. Porter envisioned a memorial to honor the fallen, initially intending it for Annapolis, Maryland, where his father’s monument stood. However, fate, and perhaps a strained relationship with the Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, intervened. The monument found its home here in Washington D.C., at the intersection of First Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
Porter, driven by his vision, raised funds from naval personnel and private citizens, securing $9,000 for the project. He personally selected Franklin Simmons, a renowned sculptor, to bring his design to life. Simmons, known for his works in the Capitol, crafted the figures in his Rome studio. The monument began its journey across the Atlantic in pieces, arriving in 1876. The final piece, the statue of Peace, was placed in January 1878. Unlike many grand monuments of the time, the Peace Monument had no formal dedication ceremony.
Look up and you’ll see Grief, her face hidden in her hand, leaning on the shoulder of History. History holds a tablet inscribed with the words “They died that their country might live.” Below them, Victory holds a laurel wreath, flanked by infant Mars, the god of war, and Neptune, god of the sea. Turn to the east side, facing the Capitol, and you’ll find Peace, holding an olive branch. At her feet lie symbols of agriculture, science, literature, and art, representing the fruits of peace.
The monument, a striking 44 feet high, is entirely made of Carrara marble. This choice, while aesthetically beautiful, has presented challenges. Carrara marble is not ideally suited for outdoor exposure, making the monument susceptible to the elements. Over the years, it has undergone several restorations to repair damage from acid rain, pollution, and even protestors who have scaled its heights during demonstrations.
The Peace Monument, a silent sentinel in the heart of the nation’s capital, tells a multifaceted story. It speaks of the sacrifices of war, the enduring desire for peace, and the constant struggle to preserve both the monument itself and the ideals it represents. It serves as a reminder that peace, like this monument, is fragile and requires constant care and attention.