MEMORIAL OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC TO DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN STEPHENSON
This memorial was presented to the United States by the Grand Army of the Republic, in commemoration of Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson, organizer and founder of the Grand Army of the Republic, and stands near Pennsylvania Avenue at Seventh Street NW.
The monument is a solid granite shaft, in form a triangular pyramid. The bronze figures represent three great principles. Fraternity, symbolized by a soldier and a sailor, is on the west side. Over the group is the inscription:
1861-1865
Underneath is a bronze medallion of Doctor Stephenson, also the badge of the Grand Army of the Republic, obverse and reverse being shown, and the inscription:
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, ORGANIZED AT DECATUR, ILLINOIS, APRIL 6, 1866, BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN STEPHENSON, M. D.
On the southeast side of the shaft is a female figure representing Loyalty, holding a shield and drawn sword, and an inscription:
WHO KNEW NO GLORY BUT HIS COUNTRY’S GOOD
On the northeast side Charity is represented by a woman protecting a child, with the inscription:
THE GREATEST OF THESE IS CHARITY
The monument cost $45,000, of which $10,000 was appropriated by Congress for the pedestal, by act of March 4, 1907. It is the work of J. Massey Rhind, sculptor. The monument was unveiled July 3, 1909, during the administration of President Taft, who delivered an address on the occasion.