The DC Traveler

The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial at the base of Capitol Hill sits between the Capitol Building and the Capitol Reflecting pool.  The memorial consists of three major statutes and is the largest equestrian statue in the country.

The first statue depicts General Grant calmly sitting on horseback, which was typical of him demeanor during the excitement of battle. He is surrounded by four oversized lions.   Bronze panels on the statute’s base depict infantry maneuvers.

The other two major statues are teams of mounted Union cavalry and artillery troops in full charge.

The cavalry group, shows seven riders charging into battle as one horse and rider has fallen and is being trampled under foot.

The artillery team depicts a three-horse team pulling a caisson and cannon into battle.

Created by sculptor Henry Merwin Shrady, the multiple pieces took over 20 years to complete and 12 years from the time the first piece was installed to be completed and finally dedicated in 1921.  The pieces were forged at the Roman Bronze Works, in Queens, New York.

The monument’s overall marble platform is over 250 feet (77 m) long and 70 feet (22 m) wide.

The monument does not house Grants tomb, as is commonly thought.  His tomb is located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City.

This memorial was the first planned to be erected on the Ellipse, next to the White House, but thinking it would block the view of the Potomac River from the White House, President Teddy Roosevelt objected.   The view was eventually blocked by the construction of the Jefferson Memorial.

Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
1st Street NW, between Pennsylvania and Maryland Ave.
Washington, DC  (map it)

Dates and Times – Open 24-hours daily.

Admission – Free.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Federal Center – Blue and Orange lines, then a 5-block walk or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – metered parking is available in the area, but often tough during weekday business hours and when Congress is in session.

Images - from personal collection   ©2008, Jon Rochetti 

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