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February 10th, 2008
Daniel Webster Statue Washington, DC
The Daniel Webster statue is located in Scott Circle at Massachusetts Avenue and 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. in Washington DC. This was sculpted by Gaetano Trentanove. Webster was born January 18, 1782 and died October 24, 1852. He was was a leading American statesman during the nation's antebellum era. He first rose to regional prominence through his defense of New England shipping interests. His increasingly nationalistic views and the effectiveness with which he articulated them led Webster to become one of the most famous orators and influential Whig leaders of the Second Party System. (bio taken from Wikipedia).
There are panels on the base of the statue; one depicts Webster defending the Union ito Senator Robert Hayne, where he feels of seceding from the Union is illegal. In another panel, Webster is seen giving a speech at the dedication of the Bunker Hill Memorial in Boston. Engraved in the stone are: "Daniel Webster"; "Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable; Expounder and Defender of the Constitution: and finally, "Given by Stilson Hutchins, a native of New Hampshire, Dedicated January 18, 1900".
Webster had served schoolmaster, clerk for a couple attorneys and later was admitted tot the bar; to which he set up a law practice and tried several notable cases. This led him to be elected to the 18th Congress where he served well. Webster made a bid for the Presidency three times and failed each time. In 1845 he was re-elected to the Senate. He served as Secretary of State and was noted as an eloquent speaker and his reply to Robert Hayne on the succession of the Union was regarded as one of the most eloquent speeches ever given.
The statue and circle are free. You will see several notable buildings and embassies in this area. I suggest you enjoy a walking tour, walking a few blocks in all directions. Bring good walking shoes, water, a camera and some cash if you plan to stop in across the street at some of the shops. Parking is VERY difficult here. there are one way streets, traffic circles and it's crowded and congested. It's best to park off on a side street where parking would be free, but is really reserved for residents. If you park in a metered space, know the best time to be there is on the weekends, when parking is free. I personally suggest going to see these statues and monuments VERY early in the morning (as early as you can stand). This way, you will be able to get unobstructed photos, find parking and enjoy the quiet. It won't last long though...
Above: Statue of Daniel Webster
Links:
Daniel Webster College
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