General José Gervasio Artigas

General José Gervasio Artigas is a bronze sculpture mounted on a granite base situated at Constitution Avenue and Virginia Avenue in Washington, D.C. The memorial features engraved inscriptions and informational panels that help visitors understand the subject and the significance of the work.

Unveiled in 1950, this memorial was presented as a gift from the people of Uruguay to the United States. The work by artist Juan Manuel Blanes honors Artigas, a central figure in Uruguay's independence struggle during the early 1800s.

The memorial sits among other tributes to Latin American leaders near the Organization of American States, marking a place of international friendship. Visitors passing by encounter a reminder of how nations recognize and honor each other's independence heroes.

The memorial is fully accessible to wheelchair users and is maintained by the U.S. National Park Service. Interpretive panels on-site provide context and help visitors learn about the monument's background.

The base of the memorial bears one of Artigas's most famous quotes carved in multiple languages. The phrase 'The Liberty of America is My Design and its Attainment My Only Objective' reveals the universal message the independence leader left behind.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Creator: Juan Manuel Blanes

Made from material: bronze, granite

GPS coordinates: 38.89232,-77.04150

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:08