The U.S. Department of the Interior has installed a dozen bronze statues commemorating Revolutionary War figures in Freedom Plaza across the street from the White House to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Freedom Plaza, which has often featured as a popular location for political protests, now features 12 soldiers “arranged in a civic tableau commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence,” according to a statement from DOI published last week.
A statue was also installed on April 25 of Caesar Rodney, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Delaware. Some mainstream media outlets framed the statue commemoration by noting Rodney’s status as a slaveowner. His equestrian likeness was removed from the prominent Rodney Square in Wilmington, Delaware, amid the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.
The DOI stated that Rodney cast the deciding vote for Delaware to support independence by riding to Philadelphia in 1776 during a violent storm while stricken with cancer.
The 12 other Revolutionary War soldiers included in the tableau include Simon Knowles, Caesar Glover, Joseph Warren, Jude Hall, Peter Muhlenberg, James Armistead Lafayette, Samuel Whittemore, Jack Sisson, James Caldwell, Peter Salem, Naphtali Daggett and Salem Poor.
DOI Secretary Doug Burgum described the exhibition, including Rodney and the 12 soldiers of the Revolutionary War, as “a powerful tribute to the patriots whose service and sacrifice helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today,” according to Fox News Digital.
“As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this exhibition is one of the many ways President Donald J. Trump is ensuring that the stories of the men and women who built this nation are preserved, honored and shared for generations to come. Our history is one of courage, opportunity and exceptionalism, and this exhibition helps bring that legacy to life for all Americans,” Burgum added.
Originally known as Western Plaza, Freedom Plaza was renamed in 1988 to commemorate the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who wrote his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in a nearby hotel. The site has a time capsule containing a Bible and other items related to King, and is slated to remain unopened until 2088.
Other beautification efforts for the 250th celebration in Washington, D.C. include restoration of the historic Columbus Fountain outside Union Station near the U.S. Capitol. The fountain, which was defaced with pro-Hamas graffiti by 2024, was formally unveiled last week after being cleaned and restored with running water for the first time since 2007.
Jon Brown is a reporter for The Christian Post. Send news tips to [email protected]
