Civil War Monuments in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. serves as a living museum of American history, housing a significant collection of outdoor statues dedicated to the figures and ideals of the American Civil War. These monuments, scattered across the central and northwest regions of the city, provide a visual narrative of the conflict and its aftermath.
The National Register Collection
A specific group of eighteen outdoor statues has been formally recognized for their historical importance. To ensure their long-term preservation, these monuments were surveyed and registered by the National Park Service (the federal agency managing U.S. national parks and monuments) following Executive Order 11593 issued by President Richard Nixon. As a result, they are listed as a collective group on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the official list of the United States' districts, sites, buildings, and objects deemed worthy of preservation).
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Who is Honored?
The collection is diverse in its representation, focusing primarily on military leadership but also touching upon social and spiritual themes. The group includes statues of 11 Union generals and one Confederate general, Albert Pike. Notably, Pike is depicted in his capacity as a Mason rather than as a military general.
Naval contributions are also recognized. While Admiral David G. Farragut remains a prominent figure in the collection, the statue of Admiral Samuel Francis DuPont was relocated to Wilmington, Delaware, where he is now commemorated with a fountain.
Beyond military figures, the monuments honor broader concepts and groups, including:
- Nuns
- The concept of Peace
- Emancipation
- The Grand Army of the Republic (the fraternal organization for veterans of the Union Army)
Key Facts
- Total Group Size: 18 outdoor statues registered as a group on the NRHP.
- NRHP Reference No: 78000257.
- Registration Date: Added to the National Register on September 20, 1978.
- Military Representation: 11 Union generals and 1 Confederate general (Albert Pike).
- Preservation Authority: Registered by the National Park Service under Executive Order 11593.
Summary of Monument Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| NRHP Status | Listed as a group (Ref No. 78000257) |
| Date Added to NRHP | September 20, 1978 |
| Union Representation | 11 Generals, 2 Admirals (one relocated) |
| Confederate Representation | 1 General (Albert Pike, depicted as a Mason) |
| Other Themes | Nuns, Peace, Emancipation, Grand Army of the Republic |
Modern Additions
While the 18 historic statues form the core of the NRHP group, the city continues to honor Civil War history through newer installations. The African American Civil War Memorial, located at 38°54′29″N 77°1′33″W, was completed in 1997. Because it was created long after the original survey, it is not included in the specific group of 18 historic statues listed on the National Register.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Civil War statues are in the National Register group?
There are eighteen outdoor statues included in this specific group listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Is Albert Pike depicted as a general in his statue?
No, although he was a Confederate general, his statue depicts him as a Mason.
What happened to the statue of Admiral Samuel Francis DuPont?
His statue was removed from Washington, D.C., and moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where he is now honored with a fountain.
Is the African American Civil War Memorial part of the NRHP group?
No, the African American Civil War Memorial was completed in 1997 and is not part of the original group of 18 historic statues.
Why were these statues registered on the National Register of Historic Places?
They were surveyed and registered by the National Park Service to aid in their preservation, following Executive Order 11593 by President Richard Nixon.