Major General Comte Jean de Rochambeau

Major General Comte Jean de Rochambeau appears in the sculpture wearing a marshal's uniform and holding the battle plans of Yorktown while gesturing southward. The bronze figure stands on a granite pedestal inscribed with quotes and dedicatory text that document his role in the American campaign.

Sculptor Fernand Hamar created the work, which President Theodore Roosevelt unveiled in 1902 during a ceremony attended by thousands. The dedication celebrated the French military's crucial support during America's fight for independence.

The sculpture sits among four memorials in the square, all honoring foreign military leaders who aided America's fight for independence. Together, these monuments tell the story of how European nations helped shape the young country's freedom.

The pedestal features inscribed text including quotes from George Washington, though some lettering has faded from weather over time. The location in Lafayette Square is easy to reach on foot and provides clear views of the sculpture from multiple angles.

Two bronze figures at the base represent Liberty and an eagle, symbolizing the military alliance between France and the United States. These sculptural elements convey how deeply the artist embedded the Franco-American connection into the work's design.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Location: Lafayette Square

Inception: 1901

Creator: Fernand Hamar

Architectural style: neoclassicism

Made from material: bronze, granite

Part of: American Revolution Statuary

GPS coordinates: 38.89901,-77.03773

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:09