Washington DC Tour

Written by Sarah Worthy

The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, located on the east side of the National Mall at the base of the Capitol building, is a monument to our 18th President.  The monument is the largest equestrian status in the U.S. and the second largest in the world.  It depicts President Grant on a warhorse flanked on either side by Union Artillery and Cavalry groups.  There are four bronze lions surrounding the main statue. 

Henry Shrady who was an unknown artist until receiving this commission created the Memorial.  The platform is made of Vermont marble and is 252 feet long by 71 feet wide.  Grant and his horse stand on a 22-foot high pedestal with a composed face to display Grants well known trait of being calm and relaxed during battle.  Construction on the memorial was begun in 1909 and completed in 1920.