Considering General William Tecumseh Sherman astride his horse. This isn’t just a statue. It’s a gilded story frozen in bronze. The William Tecumseh Sherman statue stands tall at Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan.
Let’s rewind to the late 19th century. The idea for this monument sparked as early as 1888. Architect Charles Follen McKim and sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens envisioned an equestrian statue honoring U.S. Army General William Tecumseh Sherman. Several locations were considered. Sherman Square, Riverside Drive, and even the Central Park Mall were all possibilities. Ultimately, the northern half of Grand Army Plaza became its home.
Cast in 1902 the William Tecumseh Sherman statue was dedicated on May 30 1903. This striking gilded-bronze monument portrays Sherman on horseback. Beside him stands Victory, an allegorical female figure of the Greek goddess Nike. The statues rest on a Stony Creek granite pedestal. Charles Follen McKim designed this pedestal.
Interestingly, the plaza’s design evolved after newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer’s death in 1911. He bequeathed $50000 for a memorial fountain. To accommodate the fountain the William Tecumseh Sherman statue shifted 15 feet west. This ensured symmetrical balance.
Not everyone was initially thrilled with the William Tecumseh Sherman statue. Sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward felt that Saint-Gaudens wasn’t a confident enough rider. He quipped that if the horse stumbled the general would be thrown over its head. Despite some critiques many consider this Sherman Monument to be Saint-Gaudens’ finest work.
In 1974 the Landmarks Preservation Commission recognized the significance of Grand Army Plaza. The William Tecumseh Sherman statue became a New York City scenic landmark. A full restoration of the plaza occurred in 1990. The William Tecumseh Sherman statue received a new gilding. A missing palm frond and sword were replaced. The statue was re-gilded again in 2013 renewing its luster.
Saint-Gaudens’ influence extended beyond this monument. The Victory figure served as inspiration for the obverse of the 1907 United States Saint-Gaudens double eagle coin.
The William Tecumseh Sherman statue has faced challenges over the years. Weathering and pigeons took their toll. A restoration in 2013 involved cleaning conserving and re-gilding the sculpture. Conservators consulted documents to ensure the gold toning matched Saint-Gaudens’ original vision. Ultra high-pressure water jetting was used to remove old gilding and soluble salts.
So as you stand before the William Tecumseh Sherman statue remember its journey. From conception to restoration this monument embodies artistic vision historical significance and the enduring spirit of a nation.