John A. Logan Memorial

General John A. Logan Memorial

National Park Service photo by Nathan Adams

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Public Transit

John Alexander Logan (1826–1886) was a prominent American soldier, politician, and advocate for veterans whose career bridged military service and national public life. Born in Jackson County, Illinois, Logan studied law and entered politics before the Civil War, serving as a Democratic congressman. Following the First Battle of Manassas, which he witnessed as a civilian observer, Logan resigned his seat to join the Union army, where he rapidly rose to the rank of major general. Logan fought in key Western Theater campaigns and earned a reputation for courage and leadership. After the war, he returned to political life—this time as a Republican—serving multiple terms in the U.S. House and Senate and chairing important committees. He also became a powerful leader of the Grand Army of the Republic, a national Union veterans’ organization. In that role, Logan is widely credited with issuing General Order No. 11 in 1868, which established Decoration Day – the precursor to modern Memorial Day – to honor the nation’s war dead. Logan was also the Republican nominee for vice president in 1884. He died in Washington, D.C., on December 26, 1886, and lay in state in the U.S. Capitol before his burial at Soldiers’ Home National Cemetery.

The John A. Logan Memorial in Washington honors this blend of military and civic service with a commanding bronze equestrian statue set in the center of Logan Circle, a historic park and traffic circle NW at the intersection of 13th Street, P Street, and Rhode Island and Vermont Avenues. Originally called Iowa Circle, the area was renamed by Congress in Logan’s honor in 1930.

Designed by American sculptor Franklin Simmons with a base by architect Richard Morris Hunt, the memorial was dedicated on April 9, 1901, in a ceremony attended by President William McKinley, members of Congress and his Cabinet, Union veterans, and Logan’s family. The bronze statue depicts Logan in full Civil War uniform astride a forward-striding horse, sword in hand and gaze set on the horizon, symbolizing his leadership and enduring influence. The tall bronze and granite pedestal features allegorical figures representing War and Peace and relief panels illustrating scenes associated with Logan’s life and career.

Surrounded by lawns, trees, and historic late 19th-century residences, the memorial is a focal point of the Logan Circle Historic District and also contributes to the 14th Street Historic District. It is part of the collection of 18 Civil War statues in Washington.