George Gordon Meade Memorial, Civil War monument in Judiciary Square, United States
The George Gordon Meade Memorial is a marble monument on Judiciary Square in Washington, D.C., depicting the General surrounded by six allegorical figures. These figures represent Loyalty, Chivalry, Fame, Progress, Military Courage, and Energy, forming an elaborate composition in front of the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse.
The monument was created to honor General Meade and commemorate his decisive victory over Confederate forces led by Robert E. Lee. This triumph proved pivotal in the Civil War and shaped the course of the nation.
The memorial uses a distinctive circular composition where symbolic figures remove Meade's military cloak, representing his shift from warfare to civilian life. This artistic language was common in 19th-century monuments and reflected hopes for national reconciliation.
The monument sits at Pennsylvania Avenue and 3rd Street NW and is readily accessible from several nearby public transportation stops. Visiting during daylight hours allows you to see the marble details and the surrounding courthouse architecture clearly.
The monument spent 14 years in storage between 1969 and 1983 while construction of the Capitol Reflecting Pool took place. During that time it remained hidden from public view until work was completed and it was restored to its original location.
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