Virginia

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Capitol Square

Washington Equestrian Monument

A large equestrian statue of George Washington atop a granite pedestal is located just northwest of the Capitol at the formal entrance to the square. This monument was conceived to honor Washington and to glorify Virginia’s contributions to our nation’s independence. Virginia’s role in the Revolution is represented by bronze statues of six soldiers and statesmen, which surround the mounted figure of General Washington at the top of the granite monument. Smaller allegorical figures below the six standing statues are inscribed with themes reflecting each patriot’s contribution: Andrew Lewis, Colonial Times; Patrick Henry, Revolution; George Mason, Bill of Rights; Thomas Jefferson, Independence; Thomas Nelson, Jr., Finance; and John Marshall, Justice.

American Sculptor Thomas Crawford designed the monument and completed the statues of Washington, Jefferson, and Henry. The cornerstone was laid on Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1850, and the Washington Statue was unveiled on February 22, 1858. Crawford died in 1857 before completing the monument. His American colleague, Randolph Rogers, executed the statues of Mason, Marshall, Nelson, and Lewis, as well as the allegorical figures, the last of which was put into place in 1869.

Statues, Monuments, and Trees

In the southwest corner of the Square near the Bell Tower, which was completed in 1825 for use by the Virginia Public Guard, is a seated statue of Edgar Allan Poe. Poe grew up in Richmond and returned years later to edit The Southern Literary Messenger. On the grounds north of the Capitol are the zero milestone, for measuring highway distances from Richmond, and bronze statues of former Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr.; William “Extra Billy” Smith, Governor of Virginia and Confederate Brigadier General; Confederate Major General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson; and Dr. Hunter Holmes McGuire, a respected Southern surgeon.

Among those honored with trees on the grounds are presidents Washington and Tyler, governors Colgate Darden, Charles Robb, and Gerald Baliles, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Martin Luther King, Jr. Among new monuments on Capitol Square is one honoring Virginians who were active in the Civil Rights movement during the 1950s and 60s. Outside the fence is a new memorial that honors public safety workers killed in the line of duty. Future monuments planned for the West Dell will honor the achievements of Virginia women and pay tribute to Virginia Indians.

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