Lieutenant General George Washington

The monument displays a bronze equestrian figure in military uniform, holding reins in the right hand and a sword in the left. The statue rises on a base within Washington Circle and sits surrounded by pathways and streets that define the public square.

Congress authorized the work in 1853 with the intention that sculptor Clark Mills would complete it by 1860. The artist created one of the first major commemorative monuments in the young capital city after the nation's founding.

The sculpture bears the name of the nation's first president and displays him in military dress as a symbol of his leadership role. The likeness was developed from a celebrated portrait by Jean-Antoine Houdon and remains a recognizable landmark in the city's public spaces.

The monument sits at the intersection of 23rd Street, New Hampshire Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue NW near the Foggy Bottom area. The location is easy to reach on foot and the public square allows visitors to view the sculpture from different angles.

The monument was temporarily moved during construction of the K Street NW underpass in the 1960s. Following the relocation, Roman Bronze Works performed restoration and maintenance work on the piece.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1860

Creator: Clark Mills

Part of: American Revolution Statuary

GPS coordinates: 38.90235,-77.05030

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02