Peace Monument

The memorial stands west of the Capitol building at the crossing point of two major roads and consists of several tiered levels of white stone. On its base several stone figures sit and stand at different heights around a central column.

A naval officer began the project shortly after the end of the Civil War through fundraising among former naval personnel. The work ran in Italy during several years until completion.

The figures carry timeless facial features following classical sculpture tradition and sit or stand without motion in fixed order. The child below the figure of Peace holds an olive branch and indicates the end of fighting.

The site sits outdoors and is accessible at all times without restrictions on entering. Anyone visiting the Capitol or nearby government buildings can see it while passing by.

The entire structure was shipped finished from overseas and then assembled on site rather than carved locally. It belongs to few large memorial pieces of this period made completely outside the country.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1877

Creator: Franklin Simmons

Height: 1,340 cm

Made from material: marble

Part of: Civil War Monuments in Washington, D.C.

Website: https://aoc.gov/capitol-grounds/peace-monument

GPS coordinates: 38.89065,-77.01233

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29