STATUE OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE
The statue of General Lafayette is situated on the southeast corner of Lafayette Square. It is a heroic bronze statue by Alexander Falguiere and Antoine Mercie, noted French sculptors. The statue stands on a marble pedestal, on the north side of which are two cherubs holding up the inscription:
BY THE CONGRESS IN COMMEMORATION OF THE SERVICES RENDERED BY GENERAL LAFAYETTE AND HIS COMPATRIOTS DURING THE STRUGGLE FOR THE INDEPENDENCE OF AMERICA
Congress appropriated $50,000 for the statue and pedestal, and it was completed in April, 1891. It is 45 feet high. On the east side are two heroic French naval figures, Comte d’Estaing (north) and Comte de Grasse (south), and an anchor. On the west side are two heroic French Army officers who served during the Revolution, Comte de Rochambeau (south) and Chevalier Duportail (north), and a mortar. On the south side of the pedestal is a figure symbolizing America, lifting up a sword to General Lafayette, with the inscription:
TO GENERAL LAFAYETTE AND HIS COMPATRIOTS, 1777-1783
There were no ceremonies of dedication, but the statue is annually the scene of ceremonies, including the presentation of a wreath by some patriotic organization, such as the Sons of the American Revolution, on Lafayette’s Birthday, September 6.