Washington Grays Monument, Civil War bronze memorial at Union League of Philadelphia, United States
Description
The Washington Grays Monument sits at the Union League of Philadelphia and combines a granite base with a bronze figure depicting a soldier. The statue captures a man's transition from civilian clothing to military uniform, creating a visual record of wartime service.
History
The memorial was built in two stages, with the granite base unveiled in 1872 and sculptor John Wilson adding the bronze figure in 1908. This gradual completion reflects how communities honored their wartime experiences across decades.
Culture
The monument honors the Washington Grays, a local militia unit with strong ties to Philadelphia's community who volunteered for service during the war. The sculpture shows a man in transition from civilian to soldier, reflecting the sense of duty that shaped the era.
Practical
The monument is located in Center City Philadelphia near other historic buildings and sites along an active street. Plan time to view it while exploring the surrounding downtown area, which has good foot traffic and visibility.
Did you know?
The monument has an unusual relocation history, having started at the corner of Broad and Girard Streets, then moving to Washington Square and later to Lemon Hill before arriving at its current home in 1991. These moves reflect how the city changed and how commemorative sites were repositioned to remain visible and relevant.
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