The Adams Memorial, a veiled female figure in bronze, by Saint-Gaudens, in Rock Creek Cemetery, was erected in 1891. Under the carpet of pine needles the bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Adams are buried. There is no inscription; not even a date on the architectural features, designed by Stanford White. Thick planting of pines and shrubs completely secludes the monument. Friends of the sculptor deplore the fact that this, his masterpiece, has come to be known as the Statue of Grief, as such a title is wholly at variance with the artist’s conception. It is, in fact, a monument without a name, though the artist preferred the title, “The Peace of God.” The sculptor endeavored to comprise in the figure the thought of the philosophy of the ages—the great mystery of the human race and of history—that being called man and his destiny. It is a world-famous monument, and each year thousands of visitors to the National Capital gladly travel the 4 miles directly north of the Capitol to see it.
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.
STATUE OF ALEXANDER R. SHEPHERD
The statue standing in front of the District Building, at Fourteenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW., was unveiled May 3, 1909. The cost of its erection, $10,192.67, was defrayed by public subscription in the city of Washington.
The statue is the work of U. S. J. Dunbar, sculptor. It perpetuates the memory of a man who in the face of great opposition accomplished wonders for the National Capital.