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When you stroll across Union Square at the base of Capitol Hill, it’s impossible not to notice the majestic figure of Ulysses S. Grant atop his horse, Cincinnati. Towering at 2.5
times life size, Grant sits calm and composed, surveying the Capitol grounds with the quiet confidence of a leader who has faced chaos and come through steady. Around him, the flanking cavalry and artillery groups capture the turmoil of battle in dramatic bronze, but Grant remains the picture of poise - an artistic reminder that true leadership often holds firm in the storm.
This isn’t just a statue; it’s the largest equestrian memorial in the United States and a narrative in marble and bronze. Sculptor Henry Merwin Shrady devoted 20 years to crafting every detail, from the intricate infantry reliefs along the base to the four lion statues guarding the flags. Shrady’s dedication gave the memorial depth, realism, and monumental scale, blending artistry with history in a way that draws viewers into the story of the Civil War and the man who helped preserve the Union.
Grant’s figure is deliberately calm - no sword in hand, wide-brim hat angled slightly forward, stoic expression intact - while the surrounding flanking groups tell a contrasting tale of motion, action, and intensity.
The cavalry charge to the north depicts seven riders, a fallen horse, and a fallen soldier, while the artillery group to the south shows horses and soldiers maneuvering a cannon, the lead horse straining forward under a broken bridle.
Together, these elements create a visual dialogue between calm and chaos, leadership and action, horse and rider.
Beyond artistry, the memorial is rich in symbolism. Grant faces west toward the Lincoln
Memorial, bridging the legacy of two great leaders and reminding us of the partnerships—both human and equestrian - that shape history. Funded through one of the largest federal appropriations for statuary of its time, the memorial celebrates not only Grant’s heroism as a Union general and President but also the enduring bond between horse and rider - a connection that has carried people and stories through centuries.
For equestrian enthusiasts, historians, and casual visitors alike, the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial offers a unique opportunity to witness strength, story, and stance frozen in time. It’s a tribute to courage, character, and the timeless partnership between rider and mount - a monumental moment where history meets hoofbeats.
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