National Statuary Hall Collection

National Statuary Hall Collection
user:Southgeist · Public domain · source
Name	National Statuary Hall Collection
Caption	The United States Capitol's National Statuary Hall, a primary location for the collection.
Established	1864
Location	Washington, D.C., United States
Curator	Architect of the Capitol

National Statuary Hall Collection is an assemblage of statues contributed by individual states to honor notable citizens. Authorized by the United States Congress in 1864, the collection is displayed primarily in the United States Capitol and its Capitol Visitor Center. Each state may contribute two statues, typically depicting figures significant to their history, such as politicians, Founding Fathers, Native American leaders, or cultural icons. The collection is curated by the Architect of the Capitol and serves as a unique survey of American achievement and regional pride within the heart of the federal government.

History and establishment

The collection was established by an Act of Congress on July 2, 1864, under the sponsorship of Representative Justin Smith Morrill of Vermont. The legislation emerged during the American Civil War, a period when the Union sought to reinforce national unity. The original act invited each state to provide statues in marble or bronze of deceased citizens "illustrious for their historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services." The first statue accepted was of Nathanael Greene, a Continental Army general from Rhode Island, in 1870. The initial display was concentrated in the old House Chamber, which was renamed National Statuary Hall in 1933. Over time, the growing collection necessitated distribution to other areas of the Capitol Building, including the Capitol Rotunda, the Crypt, and hallways.

Selection and donation process

The authority to select subjects rests entirely with individual state legislatures, following no federal criteria beyond the original 1864 act. The process typically involves a state commission, historical society, or public nomination. Once a subject is chosen, the state legislature appropriates funds and commissions an artist. The completed statue is formally presented to the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress and accepted by a Congressional resolution. The Architect of the Capitol then determines its placement. States bear all costs for creation, transportation, and installation. A 2000 law passed by Congress allows states to replace existing statues, a process that has led to several substitutions in the 21st century.

Location and display

Statues are displayed throughout the Capitol Complex. The historic National Statuary Hall houses 35 statues, while others are situated in the Capitol Rotunda, the Crypt, the Hall of Columns, and the connecting corridors of the Capitol Building. Since 2008, the Capitol Visitor Center has featured a dedicated exhibition area for all 100 statues, where visitors can view the entire collection. The statues remain the property of the donating states, and their placement is managed to ensure structural safety and aesthetic balance within the historic building, with some rotation occurring over time.

Notable statues and subjects

The collection features a diverse array of American figures. Key political leaders include George Washington from Virginia, Thomas Jefferson also from Virginia, and Ronald Reagan from California. Military heroes are represented by figures like Ulysses S. Grant from Ohio and John J. Pershing from Missouri. Notable women include Helen Keller from Alabama, Sacagawea from North Dakota, and Rosa Parks from Alabama. Indigenous leaders honored include Sequoyah from Oklahoma and Po'pay from New Mexico. Other influential subjects are inventor Thomas Edison from Ohio, missionary Father Damien from Hawaii, and astronaut John L. Swigert Jr. from Colorado.

Controversies and replacements

The collection has faced criticism over historical representation, particularly regarding figures associated with the Confederate States of America and Native American oppression. In 2017, the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia intensified debates, leading to the removal of statues like that of Robert E. Lee from Virginia. The 2000 law enabling replacements has prompted states to re-evaluate their choices. For example, Florida replaced Edmund Kirby Smith with Mary McLeod Bethune, and Arkansas replaced both Uriah M. Rose and James Paul Clarke with Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash. These changes reflect evolving perspectives on American history and a desire for greater diversity.

Cultural impact and events

The collection is a significant tourist destination, with millions of visitors to the Capitol Visitor Center viewing the statues annually. It serves as an educational resource on state history and national heritage. Special events, such as state dedication ceremonies for new statues, often involve governors, members of Congress, and descendants of the honorees. The collection has been featured in documentaries, scholarly works, and inspires ongoing discussions about American identity and historical memory. It stands as a unique, state-driven monument within the nation's federal legislature.

Category:National Statuary Hall Collection Category:Art collections in Washington, D.C. Category:1864 establishments in the United States Category:United States Capitol