STATUE OF GEN. ANDREW JACKSON
This statue in Lafayette Square, north of the White House, is the first equestrian statue cast in the United States. It is the work of Clark Mills, sculptor, who, while he was in the South preparing to go abroad, was persuaded to come to Washington and submit to Members of Congress sketches of an equestrian statue. They were so highly pleased with them that Mills was commissioned to produce the statue, and to do this he built a foundry in northeast Washington at a place now called Mills Avenue. The cost of the statue was $32,000. Congress appropriated $20,000 and the Jackson Democratic Association of Washington the balance. Congress also appropriated $8,000 for the pedestal. The statue was unveiled January 8, 1853, the thirty-eighth anniversary of Jackson’s victory at New Orleans. Stephen A. Douglas, then a United States Senator, delivered the oration.
STATUE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
STATUE OF GEN. ANDREW JACKSON
THE ADAMS MEMORIAL
Repeated attempts have been made in the past 25 years to relocate the statue, but without success. It has been suggested that it be placed at the north steps of the Treasury Department Building. Some years ago the suggestion was made to have the statue exchange places with the General Washington Statue in Washington Circle. It met with strong objection. To relocate the statue would require an act of Congress. However, the statue is regarded a landmark in the city, and, as heretofore stated, it is the first equestrian statue cast in the United States, having thus added historic interest.