The George Washington Equestrian Monument

Following President George Washington's death in 1799, the General Assembly wanted to build a suitable monument and have his remains interred on the Capitol grounds. In 1849, after years of debate and fundraising, a resolution was passed and a commission was appointed. On February 22, 1850, in the presence of President Zachary Taylor, former President John Tyler, and many other dignitaries and a crowd of thousands, the cornerstone was laid. Thomas Crawford's design was selected in a competition. The bronze statue was cast in Germany and arrived in Richmond late in 1857, just weeks after Crawford died suddenly at age 47.

In January 1858, the statue was hoisted into its present location. Finally, on February 22, 1858, the statue of Washington and three lower-tier statues were unveiled. After Crawford's death, Randolph Rodgers was selected to complete the remaining statues. The final statues were installed by 1869.

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The George Washington Equestrian Monument

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The George Washington Equestrian Monument

George Washington

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The George Washington Equestrian Monument

Left to right, John Marshall, Andrew Lewis, Patrick Henry

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The George Washington Equestrian Monument

Left to right, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Nelson, John Marshall

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