HARDING FAVORS SWAPPING JACKSON STATUE IN LAFAYETTE PARK WITH WASHINGTON STATUE FROM WASHINGTON CIRCLE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 16, 1923, the Evening Star reports that the equestrian statue of George Washington being removed from its pedestal in Washington Circle* for repairs "is being considered" for relocation "to the position in Lafayette Park now occupied by the equestrian statue of General Andrew Jackson."
The equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson would then be transferred to Washington Circle. The swap is under consideration by the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds.
The Star further reports that President Warren G. Harding "favors the change" and has previously remarked the
"view from the front windows of the White House (is) the most beautiful in the National Capital."
JFK+50 NOTE
The equestrian statue of GW (1860) was the work of Clark Mills. Despite the speculation expressed in the above article of 1923, the statue has remained in Washington Circle with the exception of 1936 when it was moved temporarily for construction of the K St. underpass.
The equestrian statue of AJ (1852), also the work of Clark Mills, remains in President's Park, Lafayette Square just North of the White House. Proposals to swap the two statues met with opposition based partly on historical importance.
*Washington Circle is a traffic circle on the border of Foggy Bottom & West End in Washington, D.C. It is at the intersection of 23rd St, K St., New Hampshire Ave., & Pennsylvania Ave.
SOURCE
"Two D.C. Statues May Be Exchanged," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 16, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
