Isn’t it striking how the James A. Garfield Monument commands attention? Here we stand before a memorial to a president whose time in office was tragically cut short. The James A. Garfield Monument commemorates James A. Garfield. He was elected in 1880. He was assassinated in 1881 after serving only four months. A disgruntled office-seeker named Charles J. Guiteau committed this horrible act.
This James A. Garfield Monument is more than just a statue. It is an outstanding example of American Beaux-Arts monument. John Quincy Adams Ward sculpted the monument. The Henry-Bonnard Co. of New York cast it. Richard Morris Hunt designed the pedestal. The James A. Garfield Monument was unveiled on May 12, 1887. It now forms part of a three-part sculptural group near the Capitol Reflecting Pool. The Peace Monument and the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial are also part of this group.
The Society of the Army of the Cumberland commissioned the memorial in 1884. Garfield had been a member. The society raised almost 28000 dollars to pay the sculptor. The Garfield Monument Fair helped raise some of these funds. It was held in the Capitol’s Rotunda and National Statuary Hall in 1882. Congress also contributed funds. They appropriated 7500 dollars from the sale of condemned cannons in 1882. In 1884, they allocated 30000 dollars for the pedestal. The James A. Garfield Monument became part of the Capitol Grounds on January 2, 1975.
Look closely at the James A. Garfield Monument. Notice the tapered, cylindrical granite pedestal. Four over-life-size bronze figures adorn it. Garfield’s portrait statue sits at the top. Three allegorical figures representing phases of his career are below. Garfield appears to be giving a speech. He gazes intently outward. He holds a sheaf of papers in his left hand. His right hand rests on a book on a draped column. The toe of one shoe projects over the edge. This detail gives the work vigor and movement.
Below Garfield, see the young student draped in sheepskin. This figure represents Garfield’s early work as a teacher. Next, observe the bearded warrior wearing wolf skin. He represents Garfield’s Saxon ancestry and Civil War service. Finally, note the older statesman in a toga. He holds a tablet inscribed “Law/Justice/Prosperity.” This symbolizes Garfield’s achievements as congressman, senator, and president. Bronze plaques with related symbols sit above each figure. A bronze garland encircles the pedestal.
The sculptor, John Quincy Adams Ward, was known for working directly from nature. His portrait of Garfield is lifelike because the two were friends. The reclining figures were influenced by Michelangelo’s Medici Tomb. The overall composition reflects the French Beaux-Arts style. Ward created convincing details of form and texture. He also achieved a dynamic sculptural composition.
Inscriptions on the James A. Garfield Monument offer further insight. On the statue itself, you’ll find “J.Q.A. Ward, Sculp. 1887 The Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co. New York”. The speech held in Garfield’s hand reads “Law, Justice, Prosperity”. The base includes inscriptions noting Garfield’s roles. These include Major-General, Member of Congress, Senator, and President. It also states that the monument was erected by his comrades.
Take a moment to appreciate the James A. Garfield Monument’s presence. It serves as a reminder of a promising leader. His life and presidency ended too soon. The James A. Garfield Monument stands as a testament to his service and sacrifice.