In front of the US Court House on the corner of Pennsylvania Ave and Constitution Ave, is a statue General George Meade. Meade had replaced General Hooker in command of the Army of the Potomac just days before the battle of Gettysburg. This statue, erected as a gift from the State of Pennsylvania reflects Meade’s role as the victor at Gettysburg. On seeing this monument I assumed that it was erected shortly after the war, when memories of Gettysburg were fresh and Meade was remembered as the victorious General. However this statue was commisioned in 1915 and dedicated in October of 1925, perhaps the First World War was cause for reflection. Regardless I find this to be a very majestic depiction of the General, it feels Napoleonic and reflects the pivtol role he played in the Civil War.

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Sherman Park is the location of the Monument to this Civil War General. This site was chosen because he was reported to have stood on this spot while reviewing troops returning from the Civil War. He is best known for his ‘March to the sea’ which left much of Georgia in flames. He was greatly criticized for his ‘scorched earth’ policy and is considered by some historians to be the first modern General. His victory in Georgia, which culminated in the surrender of Savannah, helped seal Lincoln’s re-election. When Grant became President Sherman succeeded him as Commanding General of the Army. While the Commanding General of the Army he was responsible for the conduct of the Indian Wars.