Could you imagine this Wildcat Statue guarding the grounds it stands on for decades? This bronze sentinel isn’t just a sculpture. It embodies strength and pride. It captures the spirit of the wildcat. Let me tell you more about this monument.
The bronze Wildcat Statue is not directly mentioned in the provided context. But let’s talk about another statue in Washington D.C. His name was Artemas Ward. This statue might give you an impression of how the Wildcat Statue embodies all the power. Artemas Ward was a general during the American Revolutionary War. A statue was erected in his honor in Ward Circle.
Imagine the dedication ceremony for the Artemas Ward statue on November 3, 1938. Military and government officials gathered. Members of the public attended. Ward’s great-great-great granddaughter unveiled the statue. Secretary of War Harry Hines Woodring accepted it for the nation. He honored Ward as the first commander of the forces of liberty in Massachusetts.
Leonard Crunelle, a sculptor from Chicago, created the Artemas Ward statue. Crunelle saw some of Ward’s original clothing. He captured the essence of the man in bronze. The Artemas Ward statue stands tall at 10 feet. It stands on a granite pedestal from Stony Creek, Connecticut. Ward wears his Revolutionary War general’s uniform. He holds his hat and gloves in his left hand. A cannon sits at his feet.
The Artemas Ward statue is one of 14 American Revolution statues in Washington, D.C. They were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. They were added to the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites in 1979.
The Artemas Ward statue stands in the center of Ward Circle. This traffic circle was specifically made for the statue. American University surrounds the circle on three sides. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is on the fourth side. The National Park Service owns and maintains the statue and park.
Like the statue of Artemas Ward, the Wildcat Statue serves as a focal point. The Wildcat Statue might be a symbol of school spirit. The statue might inspire those who pass by it every day. Sculptures like these connect us to history. They embody ideals. They add character to our surroundings.
So, as you stand before the Wildcat Statue. Remember the story of Artemas Ward and his memorial. Consider the power of public art. Think about how a statue captures a moment. Statues can inspire generations. They remind us of our shared values.