Statue of Freedom, Washington D.C.

Name: Statue of Freedom
Address: Washington D.C., United States

#41 among attractions in Washington D.C.

Monuments and statues

Gallery (9)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / Public Domain / Architect of the Capitol Photogr; / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / APK / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Savvy714 / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Photo courtesy Architect of the Capitol unless otherwise noted / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Andreas Praefcke / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Macieklew / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Vanished Account Byeznhpyxeuztibuo / URL

Facts and practical information

The Statue of Freedom, also known as Armed Freedom, stands proudly atop the United States Capitol dome in Washington D.C., a beacon of liberty and a symbol of the nation's governance. This bronze statue, reaching a height of nearly 20 feet and weighing approximately 15,000 pounds, was installed in 1863 during the tumultuous times of the Civil War.

Crafted by American sculptor Thomas Crawford, the Statue of Freedom is an allegorical figure that personifies democracy and the spirit of independence. The statue features a female figure clad in classical Roman attire, with a military helmet adorned with stars and an eagle's head and feathers, signifying the nation’s strength and vigilance. In her right hand, she holds a sheathed sword, while her left grips a laurel wreath of victory and the shield of the United States emblazoned with the U.S. coat of arms.

The journey of the statue to its current perch was fraught with challenges, including Crawford's untimely death and difficulties in transporting the sections of the statue to the Capitol. Nevertheless, the Statue of Freedom has stood the test of time and has overseen significant events in American history from its elevated platform.

The statue is an integral part of the Capitol's design and is not accessible to the public for up-close visits. However, its presence is felt throughout the city and it can be seen from various vantage points around Washington D.C. The Capitol itself offers tours where visitors can learn about the history and significance of the Statue of Freedom, making it an essential stop for those interested in American history and the symbolism of national monuments.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 38°53'24"N, 77°0'36"W

Address

Northwest Washington (Washington Mall)Washington D.C. United States

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Washington D.C.

Day trips

Statue of Freedom – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: United States Capitol, United States Botanic Garden, Union Square, United States Capitol Visitor Center.

~280 ftSE
Legendary home of the U.S. legislature
United States Capitol, Washington D.C.
2 min walk • The United States Capitol is not just the seat of the United States Congress; it is a monument to the American people and their government. Nestled at the eastern end of the National Mall in Washington D.C., the Capitol's iconic dome and expansive steps have borne...
~1210 ftSW
Exotic plants and glass-domed conservatory
United States Botanic Garden, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Washington D.C., the United States Botanic Garden stands as a verdant oasis amidst the city's monumental landscape. Established by Congress in 1820, it is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America and continues to enchant visitors with...
~1110 ftW
Park
Union Square, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • Union Square in Washington D.C. is a verdant oasis amid the bustling cityscape, offering a serene reprieve for residents and visitors alike. This well-maintained park is an urban sanctuary that balances the capital's historic grandeur with green spaces that invite...
~890 ftSE
Museum, History museum, Visitor center
United States Capitol Visitor Center, Washington D.C.
5 min walk • The United States Capitol Visitor Center is a large underground addition to the United States Capitol complex which serves as a gathering point for up to 4,000 tourists and an expansion space for the US Congress.
~760 ftSW
Monuments and statues
James A. Garfield Monument, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • The James A. Garfield Monument stands on the grounds of the United States Capitol in the circle at First Street, S.W. and Maryland Avenue, Washington, D.C. It is a memorial to United States President James A.
~680 ftW
Memorial
Peace Monument, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • Peace Circle is a traffic circle in Washington, D.C. located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and First Street NW. At its center is the Peace Monument, also known as the Naval Memorial.
~1320 ftE
Monuments and statues
Court of Neptune Fountain, Washington D.C.
7 min walk • The Court of Neptune Fountain is a group of bronze sculptures made by Roland Hinton Perry in 1897–98. Jerome Connor may have assisted in their manufacture. The sculptures are located at the Library of Congress, at Independence Avenue and 1st St S.E. Washington, D.C.
~1340 ftSW
Monuments and statues
Bartholdi Fountain, Washington D.C.
7 min walk • The Bartholdi Fountain is a monumental public fountain, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who later created the Statue of Liberty.
~990 ftN
Monuments and statues
Robert A. Taft Memorial, Washington D.C.
5 min walk • The Robert A. Taft Memorial and Carillon is a carillon dedicated as a memorial to U.S. Senator Robert Alphonso Taft, son of President William Howard Taft. The memorial is located north of the Capitol, on Constitution Avenue between New Jersey Avenue and First Street, N.W. Designed by architect Douglas W.
0.4 miSE
Nightlife, Restaurant
Bullfeathers, Washington D.C.
12 min walk • Bullfeathers of Capitol Hill is a restaurant and bar on 410 First Street SE in Washington, D.C. in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Its name comes from President Theodore Roosevelt's favorite euphemism for "bullshit." The logo of the restaurant is a depiction of Roosevelt. It was founded in 1979 by Gordon King.
~1230 ftS
Neoclassical architecture
Rayburn House Office Building, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • The Rayburn House Office Building is a congressional office building for the U.S. House of Representatives in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. between South Capitol Street and First Street.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Statue of Freedom?

Nearby attractions include Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. (2 min walk), United States Capitol, Washington D.C. (2 min walk), Ohio Clock, Washington D.C. (2 min walk), National Statuary Hall Collection, Washington D.C. (2 min walk).

How to get to Statue of Freedom by public transport?

The nearest stations to Statue of Freedom:

Train

U.S. Capitol (2 min walk)
Rayburn (5 min walk)

Metro

Capitol South • Lines: Bl, Or, Sv (11 min walk)
Federal Center Southwest • Lines: Bl, Or, Sv (12 min walk)

Bus

FlixBus Washington Union Station • Lines: 2601, 2602, 2668, N2610 (14 min walk)
Washington Deluxe Bus (16 min walk)

Tram

Union Station • Lines: H Street/Benning Road Streetcar (20 min walk)
H Street & 8th Street Northeast • Lines: H Street/Benning Road Streetcar (28 min walk)