Equestrian statue of Joseph Hooker

This bronze equestrian sculpture stands on the south lawn of the Massachusetts State House, depicting a general mounted on horseback in military dress. The work rests on a granite base and forms part of the civic landscape surrounding the capitol building.

The sculpture was created in the early 1900s to honor the state's military tradition during the Civil War era. It was designed by prominent American artists and dedicated with formal ceremonies involving military salutes.

The sculpture honors a key military figure from Massachusetts who played an important role during the Civil War, commanding one of the Union's main armies. It stands as a tribute to the state's involvement in this period of conflict.

The monument sits on public grounds and is easily accessible from Beacon Street near the State House entrance. You can view it at any time since it stands in the open outdoor area around the capitol building.

Veterans groups later requested changes to the original bronze plaque inscription, believing it failed to properly recognize the general's military leadership. This sparked a discussion about how historical figures should be remembered and represented in public monuments.