Nuns of the Battlefield, Bronze and granite war monument at Rhode Island Avenue, Washington DC, United States
The Nuns of the Battlefield is a bronze and granite structure located at the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue, Connecticut Avenue, and M Street. The composition features a granite slab with an elevated bronze relief panel showing twelve nuns in traditional religious dress, flanked by seated female figures representing peace and patriotism.
The monument was erected in 1924 by sculptor Jerome Connor to honor over 600 Catholic nuns who nursed soldiers from both sides during the American Civil War. Its construction followed Congressional approval in 1918, granted after extensive research documented the contributions of these women.
The monument honors several religious communities, including the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Carmelites, Dominicans, and Ursulines, who cared for the wounded during the Civil War. These women worked in field hospitals and medical facilities, serving soldiers from both sides of the conflict equally.
The monument is situated at a major intersection near Dupont Circle and St. Matthew Church, making it easy to locate and access. The site is visible during daylight hours and accessible on foot from surrounding streets.
Ellen Jolly spent ten years researching and gathering evidence about the nuns' work before her findings led to Congressional approval for the memorial. Her dedication to uncovering their stories was instrumental in ensuring this monument was built.
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