Boston, Massachusetts

The George Washington Statue, also known as the Equestrian Statue of George Washington, stands as a magnificent tribute in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts.

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About This Location

The George Washington Statue, also known as the Equestrian Statue of George Washington, stands as a magnificent tribute in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, within the picturesque Boston Public Garden.

The idea for this splendid statue took root in 1859 when funds were mobilized for a monument commemorating George Washington. Alexander H. Rice, the head of the fundraising committee, delivered a compelling speech that garnered significant financial support. His vision emphasized the statue showcasing the artistic talents within Massachusetts, from its creation by a Boston citizen to being cast in bronze at a local foundry. Funds were raised through a grand fair, and the city of Boston contributed $10,000 alongside an additional $5,000 from a previous statue project. By the end of 1859, the statue was commissioned and funded.

The sculptor chosen for this monumental task was Boston native Thomas Ball, renowned for his expertise in sculpting statesmen and historical figures. Ball's rendition of Washington portrays the first president in his prime, exuding power and force, with both the horse and Washington displaying graceful and natural lines. The colossal statue stands at 22 feet, mounted on a 16-foot granite pedestal, reaching an impressive height of 38 feet. Ball worked on the model from 1859 to 1864, with the casting completed after the Civil War when sufficient bronze became available.

Situated in the heart of one of the Boston Public Garden's charming thoroughfares, surrounded by elegant flower beds, the statue was unveiled on July 3, 1869. The ceremony featured a speech by former Mayor Alexander Rice, celebrating the fact that all the labor on the statue and its support structure was undertaken by Massachusetts artists and craftsmen.

The statue's historical significance was further solidified when, on July 12, 1972, the Boston Public Garden was added to the National Register of Historic Places, with a special mention of the George Washington Statue. This recognition ensures the preservation and care of this historical landmark for generations to come. It's reference number, assigned by the National Park Service, is 87000761. The statue was also surveyed by the Smithsonian Institution's "Save Outdoor Sculpture!" program in 1993, a testament to its national importance.

Throughout the years, the statue's sword has faced repeated breakages and thefts, leading caretakers to install a fiberglass substitute to avoid continuous bronze replacements.

Spring and summer are particularly enchanting times to visit the statue, as the garden beds surrounding it burst into a riot of colors with stunning flowers, including an impressive array of tulips. For visitors driving to Boston, there are metered parking spaces around the Boston Public Garden Lagoon on Charles Street, Boylston Street, Arlington Street, and Beacon Street, along with the convenient option of the Boston Common Garage, albeit at a fee.

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
Charles Street, Boston, Massachusetts

GPS Coordinates:
42.353861, -71.070944
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
There are many metered parking spaces around the Boston Public Garden Lagoon on Charles St, Boylston St, Arlington St, and Beacon St. There is also the Boston Common Garage which is an extremely convenient and paid option.

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