Did George Meade ever imagine a plaza in his name? Here at George Meade Plaza, we explore the life of a man often overshadowed by his superior, Ulysses S. Grant. George Meade Plaza honors the Civil War general who led the Army of the Potomac to victory at Gettysburg. This victory was a turning point in the Civil War. Meade remained in command until the war’s end. He served under Grant, who became general-in-chief of all Union armies. Meade was a career military officer from Pennsylvania. He graduated from West Point in 1835. He served briefly in the Second Seminole War before becoming a civil engineer. He re-enlisted in 1842 and fought bravely in the Mexican-American War. For his heroism at the Battle of Monterrey, he received a promotion to first lieutenant. Before the Civil War, Meade designed lighthouses and conducted coastal surveys. He was wounded at the Battle of Glendale in 1862 but recovered to lead troops at Antietam and Fredericksburg. George Meade was not popular with Lincoln, Grant, or his fellow officers. Unlike other Civil War generals, no one called for a memorial after his death in 1872. He was, however, a hero in his home state of Pennsylvania. In 1913, Pennsylvania commissioned a statue. The statue became a gift to the United States. It was originally placed in Union Square. The statue was moved in 1969 to make way for the Capitol Reflecting Pool. It was placed in storage, repaired, and finally rededicated at George Meade Plaza in 1984. This 18-foot-tall statue, crafted by Charles Grafly, depicts Meade surrounded by allegorical figures. These figures represent essential qualities of a great general: War, Energy, Military Courage, Fame, Progress, Chivalry, and Loyalty. Chivalry and Loyalty hold Meade’s cloak and standard, symbols of his achievements. George Meade Plaza is a quiet place amidst the bustling city, offering a chance to reflect on a general whose contributions were pivotal to the Union’s victory.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to