Francis Asbury Memorial

The Francis Asbury Memorial is a bronze statue at the intersection of Mount Pleasant Street and 16th Street NW depicting the Methodist bishop on horseback holding a bible in his right hand. The figure sits on a granite base and appears on both the National Register of Historic Places and the District of Columbia's inventory of historic sites.

The bishop served in America from 1771 to 1816 and shaped the development of the Methodist Church across the young nation. The memorial itself was approved by Congress and President Woodrow Wilson in 1919.

The inscriptions on the memorial honor Asbury's contributions to American society through his promotion of education, morality, and religion during the nation's formative years. His legacy continues to shape how people understand the role of clergy in American history.

The memorial stands in public space at a well-known intersection in northern Washington, D.C., making it easy to reach and visit. It remains freely accessible at any time of day.

The bronze horse in the statue displays an unusual pose with its head bent down as if licking its left leg. This curious detail is something visitors often overlook when first encountering the memorial.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: February 28, 1919

Creator: Augustus Lukeman, Tracy and Swartwout

Made from material: bronze, marble

Address: 3025 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20009

GPS coordinates: 38.92770,-77.03671

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:07