Envision the scene it is February 22, 1860, Washington’s birthday.
We’re standing before the Lieutenant General George Washington Statue in Washington Circle. This statue honors George Washington one of the nation’s Founding Fathers. He was also a military leader. The idea to honor him began in 1783.
But nothing happened for many years.
James Buchanan pushed for a statue. Congress approved it in 1853 costing 50000 dollars.
Later 10000 dollars were added. Clark Mills sculpted this statue. He also created the Andrew Jackson statue near the White House. Mills was born in New York in 1815. He worked as a lumberjack and carpenter. He later became an ornamental plasterer. He made plaster life-masks and busts. His style was based on naturalism.
The original statue design included a three-tiered pedestal. It would have had intricate designs. But due to funding issues, it was never built. The final pedestal was simpler. Some critics praised the horse. Others frowned upon Washington’s depiction.
The unveiling occurred just before the Civil War.
Thomas S. Bocock a future Confederate leader spoke. Key figures attended including the president and vice president. The event was delayed by rain. A procession marched from the District of Columbia City Hall.
The statue almost moved to Lafayette Square. It was almost replaced by the Jackson statue. The Washington Statue was repaired in the 1920s. It was moved again in the 1960s for the K Street underpass. It returned in 1963.
The Lieutenant General George Washington Statue is on the National Register of Historic Places.
It is also part of the L’Enfant Plan.
In 2023 someone vandalized the statue with “FREE GAZA”.
The statue sits in Washington Circle a busy intersection. It is where 23rd Street, New Hampshire Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue NW meet. The National Park Service owns and maintains the statue.
The bronze statue is nine feet tall. It faces east toward the White House. Washington wears his military uniform. He holds a sword in his left hand. His right hand holds the horse’s reins. He is depicted at the Battle of Princeton in 1777.
The wild horse is standing on three legs. It looks startled. Some admired the horse’s details. Others disliked its expression compared to Washington’s calm one. The marble pedestal is almost 10 feet tall. It has been repaired over time. The name “WASHINGTON” is inscribed on the east side.
The name “CLARK MILLS/SCULPTOR” is also there.
So here stands the Lieutenant General George Washington Statue. It represents history art and a pivotal moment in time.