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Webster, Daniel, Memorial
Daniel Webster Memorial - Washington, DC - DSC05553.JPG
Daniel Webster Memorial is located in Washington, D.C.
Daniel Webster Memorial
Location in Washington, D.C.
Location Washington, D.C.
Area less than one acre
Built 1900
Architect Gaetano Trentanove
Architectural style Classical Revival
MPS Memorials in Washington, D.C.
NRHP reference No. 07001063
Added to NRHP October 12, 2007

The Daniel Webster Memorial is a special monument in Washington, D.C.. It honors Daniel Webster, who was a very important leader in the U.S. government a long time ago. You can find it near where he used to live, close to Scott Circle in Washington, D.C.

About Daniel Webster

Daniel Webster was born in New Hampshire in 1782. He became a famous lawyer and politician. He served in the House of Representatives and the Senate. He was also a Secretary of State for two presidents. Webster was known for his amazing speeches. He often spoke about keeping the U.S. united.

Building the Memorial

The idea for the memorial came from Stilson Hutchins. He founded The Washington Post newspaper. Hutchins was also from New Hampshire, like Webster. He gave the statue to the U.S. government.

In 1898, the U.S. Congress agreed to put the statue on public land. They also provided money for its base. The memorial was officially opened on January 19, 1900. Later, in 2007, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historical sites in the U.S.

What the Memorial Looks Like

The Daniel Webster Memorial features a large bronze statue of Webster. It stands 12 feet (3.7 meters) tall. The statue rests on an 18-foot (5.5 meter) tall granite base. The style of the monument is simple and classic. The statue was created by a sculptor named Gaetano Trentanove.

On the sides of the base, there are bronze pictures carved into the metal. These pictures show important moments from Webster's life. One shows the famous Webster–Hayne debate. This was a big discussion in the Senate about states' rights. Another picture shows the dedication of the Bunker Hill Monument. This monument honors a famous battle from the American Revolutionary War.

Important Words on the Memorial

The memorial has several important quotes carved into its base. These words remind us of Daniel Webster's beliefs.

  • "LIBERTY AND UNION NOW AND FOREVER ONE AND INSEPARABLE"

* This famous quote shows how much Webster believed in keeping the United States together. He thought freedom and unity went hand-in-hand.

  • "OUR COUNTRY OUR WHOLE COUNTRY AND NOTHING BUT OUR COUNTRY"

* This quote highlights Webster's strong patriotism. It means he cared deeply about the entire nation.

  • "EXPOUNDER AND DEFENDER OF THE CONSTITUTION"

* This phrase describes Webster's role. He was known for explaining and protecting the United States Constitution.

The memorial also includes information about Webster's birth and death. It notes that he was born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, in 1782. He passed away in Marshfield, Massachusetts, in 1852. It also mentions that Stilson Hutchins gave the memorial.

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