To commemorate George Washington's leadership as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, Congress commissioned this bronze equestrian statue from sculptor Clark Mills after his successful completion of the equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson located at Lafayette Square.
It depicts Washington in uniform, advancing in front of the American lines in a surprise attack on the British forces. The horse rears slightly while Washington calmly holds the reins in his right hand and his sword down at his left side. Mills based the face of Washington on the famous bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. Great attention was given to the veins of the horse and the pattern of its mane and tail. The base is marble, patched with cement where it is cracked.
Acts of January 25, 1853 and February 24, 1860 appropriated $60,000 for the statue and pedestal, and it was dedicated in 1860. The statue is currently owned by the National Park Service.
DC Inventory: March 3, 1979
National Register: July 14, 1978
Part of American Revolution Statuary
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