McClellan, George B., Maj Gen, Washington, DC - Equestrian Statues on Waymarking.com

The bronze equestrian statue of Major General George Brinton McClellan is located in the triangular traffic island formed by the intersection of Connecticut Avenue NW, Columbia Road NW and California Street NW in Washington, DC. McClellan and his horse appear to be slightly larger than life-sized. He is depicted sitting calmly on his horse, holding the reins in his left hand while his right hand is former into a fist and rests on his right hip. He faces south along Connecticut Avenue towards the Washington Monument. The bronze figures are mounted atop a 12-foot tall limestone pedestal which rests, in turn, on a six-stepped granite base. The statue was created by Frederick MacMonnies in 1907.

George B. McClellan was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1826. He was graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in 1885. During his military career, he was regarded as a brilliant engineer and organizer, and he is credited with creating the Army of the Potomac (the largest Union army during the Civil War). Unfortunately, he was (and still is) regarded as poor field commander. Historians usually cite his excessive caution due to the fact that he consistently over-estimated the strength of his opponents. He fought General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia to a standstill at Antietam (Sharpsburg, Maryland), but was relieved of his command for failing to press his advantage and destroy Lee’s retreating army. He was the Democratic Party’s nominee for president in 1864, and lost badly to the incumbent, Abraham Lincoln. He served as Governor of New Jersey, 1878-1881.

To reach the equestrian statue of Major General George B. McClellan from the Washington Monument, go east on Constitution Avenue for about 0.15 miles to 17th Street NW. Turn right and go north on 17th Street for about 0.73 miles to the intersection with K Street NW and Connecticut Avenue NW at Farragut Square. Turn half-left and go northwest on Connecticut Avenue for about 1.0 miles to the intersection with Columbia Road leading northeast and the statue at the intersection.

Identity of Rider: George B. McClellan Identity of Horse: Unknown Name of artist: Frederick MacMonnies Date of Dedication: 1907 Material: Bronze Unusual Features: Right fist on hip Position: One Hoof Raised

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