Scott Circle: Washington, D.C.'s hidden memorial on Embassy Row
Though Washington, D.C. was designed to resemble Paris, probably the closest similarity between the two is the traffic circles dotted throughout town. One well-traveled, but less famous circle than its neighboring Dupont is Scott Circle, featuring not one but three grand memorial statues few tourists stumble upon.
Situated at the intersection of 16th Street -- due north of the White House -- Massachusetts Avenue and Rhode Island in the Northwest sector of the District, Scott Circle features the prominent statue of Gen. Winfield Scott, who served as general for 47 years -- the longest active-serving general in American history. He led forces through the War of 1812, the Mexican-American war, the Black Hawk war, and part of the Civil War. He also ran for president in 1852 but lost. His statue sits on his horse facing the White House and Washington Monument about three blocks down 16th Street, viewable from his perch.
General Scott is not alone in his little circle. On the western corner of Rhode Island, a bronze statue of U.S. Statesman Daniel Webster stands tall and proud near the location of his former home. Webster represented Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and was also secretary of state twice during the Tyler-Fillmore administrations. His famous words, “Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable” are engraved on one side.
On the opposite site of Scott Circle, physician Samuel Hahnemann sits cross-legged with his face resting on his fist. Surrounding him is a wide stone sitting area, offering a shady spot for others to relax and rest by his feet. The German physician, who lived from 1755 to 1843, is famous for creating alternative medicine now referred to as homeopathy.
The statue was a gift from the American Institute of Homeopathy in 1900. On the pedestal reads a well-known principle of homeopathy, similia similibus curantur (“like cures the like”). Behind his head is a colorful mosaic that makes his memorial very distinct. Behind the memorial are four panels depicting his work as a physician and student.
The grassy shade and bench-like seating has traditionally been a favorite sleeping spot for homeless people, although in recent years police action and social policy changes have made the issue less dangerous to visitors.
HelloMetro Tip: This portion of Massachusetts Avenue and immediately to its west features a number of foreign diplomatic offices and residences that are a part of Embassy Row. Click here for a map and information about touring Massachusetts Avenue embassies.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
