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Category Archives: Monuments and Statues
What’s the most photographed statue in town?
Nobody really knows, but if it’s not Abraham Lincoln at his memorial than it’s surely Andrew Jackson here in Lafayette Park. Why? First, it’s a great statue. Second, it’s right by the White House. Third, it’s a dynamite shot, especially … Continue reading
Firefighter monument suddenly No. 2
I’ve determined Washington Post columnist John Kelly secretly wishes he was a Washington tour guide. If not, he’d sure make a fine one. (Must be career wanderlust. As a Washington Post Express sports columnist, I always wanted to be a … Continue reading
The man behind two metro stops – David Farragut
David Farragut — you know the person much be important when two metro stops are named for him. David Farragut was a Civil War admiral who uttered the saying now paraphrased, “Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead.” He said it … Continue reading
Washington Circle remembers that Washington
It is perhaps the most overlooked statue in plain sight of the man for whom the city is named. Washington Circle by Foggy Bottom that intersects 23rd, K St., New Hampshire Ave. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW has a bronze equestrian … Continue reading
That’s Smithson . . . as in Smithsonian
Who’s the man in the bathtub? Wow, what am I going to do with you guys? That’s the remains of James Smithson as in the man that founded museums that bear his name. So what’s he doing in a bathtub? … Continue reading
The lady in white
It’s not often a statue gets center stage – twice. The Statue of Freedom lies atop the U.S. Capitol dome, but also inside the Capitol Visitors Center underneath. The statue shows the “Lady Freedom” with her right hand on a … Continue reading
John Carroll still overseeing his campus
Bishop John Carroll grew up in Upper Marlboro, Md., educated in Europe and returned to become the leader of American Catholics and establish Georgetown University. Why do students put toilet seats under the bronze statue on campus and place jack-o-lanters … Continue reading
Seabees Monument stands ready for action
The toughest men of World War II might have been the Navy Seabees. Created in March 1942 to construct whatever was needed in World War II, the “Construction Builders” were known as “CBs” and hence Seabees. These guys could build … Continue reading
Remembering the life of a child
The death of a child is certainly heartbreaking. It often makes for interesting memorials. Alice May Parker died in 1861 at age 12 of typhoid fever. At Congressional Cemetery, a praying angel the size of a child prays over her … Continue reading
Summerhouse been a quenching respite since 1880
Where can you go for a drink around the U.S. Capitol? Well, since 1880 or so The Summerhouse has always offered refreshment. Water, that is. The hexagonal red brick building on the west lawn of the Senate side has a … Continue reading
Upright Motive No. 1: Glenkiln Cross
It’s the accidental sculpture. The original lies on a hilltop on the Glenkiln Farm Estate in Scotland where a shepherd once oversaw his flock. British sculptor Henry Moore made the 11-foot tall bronze cross with a small crosspiece near the … Continue reading
Olive Risley Seward: The lady was a daughter
On the edge of Seward Square is a statue of a Victorian woman looking at the grassy area. Turns out it’s a long story and a good one. William Seward was Secretary of State who not only bought Alaska for … Continue reading
Martin Luther soars above the daily life
It’s not just the statue that catches my eye, but the background. At the proper angle, they combine for a commanding presence. Martin Luther and the Luther Place Memorial Church in the background at Thomas Circle are a perfect partnership … Continue reading
