Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Old Hickory

Clark Mills' sculpture of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square Park
across from the White House


America's 7th President of the United States was a war veteran, Andrew Jackson. Jackson achieved fame during the War of 1812 when he defeated the British during the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson was born in the Carolinas, read the law in Tennessee, served in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate from the same state, and is credited with shaping the Democratic Party. His nickname "Old Hickory" bespeaks his reputation as a tough, unyielding leader. According to his biography on the White House website, "Jackson recommended eliminating the Electoral College" and "democratizing Federal office holding."

This statue of Jackson astride his steed is located in the center of Lafayette Square with a direct view of the White House. Sculpted by Clark Mills, the artist created three equestrian statues of Jackson: this one in Washington; one in New Orleans, Louisiana; and one in Jackson's adopted home of Nashville, Tennessee. To see Jackson's bust in the National Portrait Gallery, click here.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 2/08

3 comments:

b.c. said...

great post, looks like a nice memorial

Rob said...

Well I must have missed this on a trip to DC years ago.Of course there is just too much to see in one weekend, where does one begin.

Janet Kincaid said...

B.C.: Thanks! As far as equestrian style memorials goes, this is one of the more interesting ones. At the very least, Jackson's horse is doing something. 99% of these types of memorials just show the honored dead person astride their trusty steed looking into the distance.

Rob: I've lived in the city for more than six years and if I've even seen 5% of everything here, I'd be stunned! In this same park where Jackson's statue is, there are four others, but I couldn't tell you who they're of. In other words, we're in the same boat! LOL I think, if I didn't have a camera and I wasn't out looking for things to photograph, I probably wouldn't see a lot of what I've seen. Sad, huh?