General George Washington Statue

General George Washington Statue

National Park Service photo by Mike Litterst

Quick Facts

Location:

Washington, DC

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Public Transit, Wheelchair Accessible

George Washington (1732–1799) was a Founding Father, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and the first President of the United States (1789–1797). Born in Virginia, he gained early military experience during the French and Indian War. During the Revolution, he led American forces to victory over the British, with the decisive battle taking place at Yorktown, Virginia. After the war, he presided over the Constitutional Convention and was unanimously elected the nation’s first president. Washington declined a third term and retired to his Mount Vernon estate, where he died in 1799. He is remembered as the “Father of His Country” for his leadership, integrity, and dedication to the fledgling republic.

The equestrian statue of George Washington at Washington Circle was sculpted by Clark Mills and unveiled on February 22, 1860, Washington’s birthday. It was one of the earliest public monuments in the capital and the first equestrian statue cast in bronze in the U.S. The statue depicts Washington at the Battle of Princeton, confidently leading his troops.

The idea for the statue dates back to 1783, when the Continental Congress resolved to honor Washington’s leadership. However, it wasn’t until 1853 that Congress appropriated funds and selected Mills, who had recently completed the Andrew Jackson statue in Lafayette Square. Mills used a life mask of Washington by Jean-Antoine Houdon to ensure accuracy. His original design included a grand three-tiered pedestal, but budget constraints led to a simpler marble base. Despite mixed reviews of Washington’s likeness, the horse’s dynamic pose was widely praised. The statue was dedicated in a grand ceremony attended by national leaders, including President James Buchanan.

Despite political tensions foreshadowing the Civil War, the statue stood as a unifying tribute to Washington’s enduring legacy. Today, it remains a prominent landmark at the intersection of 23rd Street, New Hampshire Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near George Washington University.