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Unless otherwise noted, all content and photos are © 2010-2020 Monumental Thoughts.
Category Archives: Monuments and Statues
The woman behind the man – Queen Isabella
We always know Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 14 hundred and 92. But, we rarely talk about the woman who funded the trip to the new world – Queen Isabella. The Spanish monarch is in front of the Organization … Continue reading
Posted in Monuments and Statues
Tagged best DC walking tours, OAS, Photo by Rick Snider, Queen Isabella, statue, Washington D.C.
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Balinese Demons on Embassy Row
As regular readers know, I’m an average photographer. And sometimes it’s hard to get a good shot, especially when the gates are locked at an Embassy Row showstopper. Hence this photo. But here’s one of two Balinese Demons who guard … Continue reading
Oh angel, why so sad?
I love statues in cemeteries. Angels intrigued me, especially when memorializing someone forever. Richard Rothwell and his wife Emma lie beneath a sighing angel in Congressional Cemetery. Rothwell was once paid by Congress for creating 20 centographs that remember late … Continue reading
Albert Gallatin – the man in front of the Treasury
After taking their zillion photos of the north side of the White House, many tourists walk to 15th St. to catch their bus. They pass the Treasury Building along the way and always ask who’s the statue. When I say … Continue reading
Ascent soars outside Udvar-Hazy Center
One of the more interesting items at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International Airport may be outside. Ascent is a 75-foot polished, stainless steel artwork that means, well I’m not good at interpretative … Continue reading
No bowing, she’s not the queen
You never know what kids will say. I asked some youngsters who I was standing next to and “The Queen of England?” was the first response. Well, I must admit she does look a little like Queen Elizabeth, but it’s … Continue reading
Finally, an honest man in Judiciary Square
How many statues are there of Abraham Lincoln around town? That’s a good question. And, I don’t know the answer. What’s special about this one in front of the D.C. Court of Appeals (Lincoln was a lawyer, after all) is … Continue reading
Grant lamp posts return
Something old is new again at the Grant Memorial by the U.S. Capitol. Eight bronze lamp posts were erected as replicas of the original design of Edward Pearce Casey dedicated in 1921. The posts have 16 separate castings plus the … Continue reading
Winston Churchill – man of two worlds
Winston Churchill does an international game of hokey pokey outside the British embassy on Massachusetts Ave. Embassies are technically foreign soil so the 186 in town form quite an international landmass. But the late British prime minister, who led England … Continue reading
Sphere No. 6 is . . .
Sphere No. 6 is: a) What was left of the Death Star after Luke Skywalker blew it up. b) The remnants of Earth after a nuclear explosion. c) A bronze sculpture by Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. d) I have no … Continue reading
Lafayette – the Frenchman that Americans loved
The General Marquis Gilbert de Lafayette was a key figure in American winning its independence. Lafayette blocked the escape route of the British ships at Yorktown, thus forcing Gen. Cornwallis to surrender to George Washington. Lafayette stands atop a marble … Continue reading
James Garfield Memorial – my 6th cousin
The only thing I knew about James Garfield was he was once U.S. president. I would have struggled to write a fifth-grade report on him But coming across Garfield’s memorial on the U.S. Capitol grounds intrigued me into learning more. … Continue reading
The Chess Players: It’s not over until it’s over
I’m telling you, the player on the left could still win this match. Come on, take the castle already. This game has been going on for an eternity. Well, at least since 1983. The Chess Players is one of those … Continue reading
Save George Washington, get a statue – Casimir Pulaski
Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski was a Polish count who came to America to fight for freedom. He once saved George Washington’s life, but is best known for teaching American troops the discipline needed to fight the mighty British troops. Pulaski … Continue reading
A 3D map of town at your feet – Freedom Plaza
Freedom Plaza may be filled with skateboarding teenagers, lost tourists or protestors, but the Pennsylvania Ave. near 14th St. N.W. median is also a map of town’s original plan. The L’Enfant Map detailing the 1791 plan by Washington’s first city … Continue reading
National Fire Dog Monument honors arson teams
After looking for the new National Fire Dog Monument every time I drove by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, I walked the area one day. And there it was in plain sight — by the Engine Co. 2 fire … Continue reading
The Hall family and the angel
Mary Ann Hall was a popular madam in Washington, running a bordello where the American Indian Museum now stands. It was said to be the classiest one in Washington during the Civil War. Mary Ann and a sister are buried … 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
Slow down to see Woodrow Wilson medallion
Not often is a memorial meant to be seen at 60 miles per hour. In fact, I went by it for 52 years before discovering it’s not a dime. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge connecting Maryland and Virginia is named after … Continue reading
