Sheridan, Philip, Maj Gen, Washington, DC - Equestrian Statues on Waymarking.com

The bronze statue of Major General Philip Henry Sheridan is located in the center of Sheridan Circle at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue NW, 23rd Street NW and R Street NW in Washington, DC. The figures of Gen Sheridan and his horse are approximately life-sized. Gen Sheridan is depicted with his right arm extended, hat in hand, as if commanding cavalry forces in action. The bronze figures are mounted on a concrete base, about three feet in height. The horse, Rienzi (later re-named Winchester), is depicted with all four hooves planted. The statue was executed by Gutzon Borglum, better known as the creator of the massive presidential sculpture on Mount Ruchmore in South Dakota.

Sheridan was born in Albany, New York, in 1831, and grew up in Ohio. He was graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in New York. During the Civil War, he rose to the rank of Major General (two stars); his commands included Chief of Cavalry – Army of the Potomac, and Commander, Army of the Shenandoah. Forces under his direct command blocked General Robert E. Lee’s retreat from Richmond, VA, and forced his surrender at Appomattox, VA. After the Civil War, Sheridan commanded forces during the conquest of the Indians of the Great Plains. In 1884, he was promoted to the rank of General of the Army (four stars) and appointed as Commander, US Army. He died in 1888.

Throughout his military career, the five foot five inch Sheridan was known for his aggressiveness and, many would say, his ruthlessness. Most military historians agree that he was the third most important military figure (after Grant and Sherman) in contributing to the Union victory.

To reach the equestrian statue of Major General Sheridan from the Washington Monument, go east on Constitution Ave NW for about 0.27 miles to 18th Street NW. Turn right and go north on 18th Street NW for about 1.4 miles to R Street NW. Turn left and go east on R Street NW for about 0.48 miles to Sheridan Circle. Sheridan Circle is in the heart of Washington, DC’s “Embassy Row”, and Sheridan is surrounded by the embassies of Ireland, Vietnam, the Philippines, Korea, Latvia, Turkey and Romania. About 20 other embassies are visible from the statue. Parking in this neighborhood is extremely limited (unless you have diplomatic plates). Plan to park several blocks away and hike in.

The interesting Dumbarton Bridge (over Rock Creek) lies about 0.12 miles south of Sheridan Circle. The bridge features four massive bronze buffaloes (actually, they’re American Bison) by the artist Alexander Phimister Proctor. They’re 1914 vintage.

Identity of Rider: Philip Henry Sheridan Identity of Horse: Winchester (Reinzi) Name of artist: Gutzon Borglum Date of Dedication: Unknown Material: Bronze Unusual Features: Right arm extended, hat in hand. Position: All Hooves Planted

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