Statues of the Liberators

The Statues of the Liberators form a series of bronze and stone monuments stretching from 18th to 25th Street along Virginia Avenue Northwest. These sculptures line the avenue as visible tributes to historical leaders and their legacies.

General José Gervasio Artigas of Uruguay was installed in 1950, launching this memorial series as a tribute to independence leaders. This founding installation sparked a decades-long effort to build an international collection honoring regional figures.

Each statue honors a national leader from Latin America, reflecting the diplomatic ties between the two continents. The collection celebrates figures who shaped their nations' independence and freedom.

The monuments are located along Virginia Avenue near the Organization of American States headquarters and can be easily explored on foot. The National Park Service maintains the collection, and the pathways are accessible to visitors of all abilities.

Bernardo de Gálvez is the only European figure honored in this collection, commemorating Spain's crucial aid during the American Revolution. This exception reveals how the collection extends beyond Latin America to celebrate all those who contributed to freedom in the region.

Location: Washington, D.C.

GPS coordinates: 38.89230,-77.04150

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01