James Cardinal Gibbons Memorial: This statue honors one of America's most influential Roman Catholic cardinals.

Sitting in a curule chair reminiscent of ancient Rome, the sculpted figure of James Charles Gibbons extends his right hand to bless those viewing him while holding a cross in his left hand. Below, the granite pedestal supporting the statue hosts a number of symbols that represent his life and accomplishments within the Roman Catholic church. The memorial is in a small park between 16th Street NW and the Shrine of the Sacred Heart.

Gifted by the Knights of Labor in 1932 and designed by Leo Lentelli, this memorial physically immortalizes the life and legacy of Gibbons, who is considered to be one of America’s most influential Roman Catholic cardinals. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1834, Gibbons spent his younger years living in Ireland and then New Orleans before returning to his birthplace to attend St. Charles College — afterwards entering St Mary’s Seminary.

Gibbons had quite an impressive career within the church, and even became the world’s youngest bishop. The cardinal was influential in helping to establish Americanist ideology within Roman Catholic churches in the United States. The ideology was both pro-union and more liberal than its counterparts at the Vatican, and was greatly influenced by the political power of Irish Catholics who had immigrated to the United States, as well as the Knights of Labor.

Despite his many accomplishments, not everyone was a fan of Gibbons. He was a noted anti-women’s suffrage leader, and was involved in the National Association Opposed to Women’s Suffrage. While this memorial celebrates his legacy as one of the founders of the Roman Catholic church in the United States, it also prompts viewers to understand a more complicated legacy of the man in the chair.

DC Inventory: February 22, 2007

National Register: October 11, 2007