Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial is a monument in Washington, D.C., honoring American Civil War General and United States President Ulysses S. Grant. It is located at the base of Capitol Hill, and like the U.S. Capitol Building above it (at the top of the hill), the monument's statue faces west, looking towards the Washington Monument and overlooking the National Mall.

Related Topics:
Washington, D.C. - American Civil War - General - United States - President - Ulysses S. Grant - Capitol Hill - U.S. Capitol Building - Washington Monument - National Mall

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The monument was created by sculptor Henry Shrady, who spent 20 years of his life working on it. The platform for the monument, made of Vermont marble, is 252 feet long and 71 feet wide. It is divided into three sections. The tall, middle section depicts Grant aboard his war horse Cincinnati on a 22-foot high pedestal, and he is flanked, on either side, by fighting Union Artillery and Cavalry groups.

Related Topics:
Henry Shrady - Cincinnati - Union

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The most striking feature of the central statue is Grant's calm (almost disaffected) attitude amidst the raging fighting going on around him. This is not surprising because Grant was known for his calmness and coolheadedness during battle.

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Construction began in 1909; the Artillery Group was completed in 1912, the Cavalry Group was completed in 1916, and the bronze figure of Grant was completed in 1920. The memorial was dedicated on the 100th anniversary of Grant's birth, April 27, 1922.

Related Topics:
1909 - 1912 - 1916 - 1920 - April 27 - 1922

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