Equestrian statue of Charles Devens

In the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, stands a monument that not only commemorates a distinguished figure of American history but also serves as a testament to the artistic prowess of its creators. The Equestrian Statue of Charles Devens, majestically poised in front of the old Worcester County Courthouse, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. This grand statue, designed by the renowned sculptors Daniel Chester French and Edward Clark Potter, was dedicated on July 4, 1906, and continues to be a symbol of pride and historical reverence for the residents of Worcester.

The Life and Legacy of Charles Devens

Charles Devens was born on April 4, 1820, in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston. His early life was marked by academic excellence, graduating from the Boston Latin School and later Harvard College in 1838. By 1840, he had completed his law degree from Harvard Law School and began practicing law the following year. Devens quickly became involved in politics, serving as a member of the Massachusetts Senate for Franklin County from 1848 to 1849 and later as the United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts.

His most notable contributions came during the American Civil War. Devens served with distinction in the Union Army, starting as a major in a rifle battalion and rising to the rank of colonel in the 15th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. He fought bravely in several significant battles, including the Battle of Fair Oaks and the Battle of Chancellorsville, where he sustained injuries. By the end of the war, Devens had achieved the rank of general. After the war, he resumed his legal career and was appointed as an associate justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in 1873. In 1877, President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed him as the United States Attorney General, a position he held until 1881. Charles Devens passed away on January 7, 1891, in Boston.

The Creation of the Monument

The idea to honor Charles Devens with a monument began shortly after his death. In November 1891, U.S. Senator George Frisbie Hoar initiated efforts to raise funds for the project. Despite initial enthusiasm, the project languished for nearly a decade. It wasn't until the fall of 1901, during a meeting of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry veterans, that the idea was revived. A committee was formed, including prominent citizens of Worcester such as Rufus B. Dodge Jr., the mayor of Worcester, and Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, president of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

By 1902, the Massachusetts General Court had granted an act of incorporation to the Devens Statue Commission. Public fundraising efforts followed, with significant contributions from the city and county of Worcester. The commission hired Daniel Chester French and Edward Clark Potter, who had previously collaborated on several equestrian statues. French was responsible for sculpting the figure of Devens, while Potter sculpted the horse. The final design was approved in 1903, and the statue was cast by the Gorham Manufacturing Company in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Dedication Ceremony

The dedication of the statue on July 4, 1906, was a grand affair attended by approximately 10,000 people. The ceremony included a parade featuring around 250 militia members and over 1,000 Civil War veterans. The parade route followed Main Street, culminating at the Worcester County Courthouse. Among the distinguished guests were Massachusetts Governor Curtis Guild Jr., Worcester Mayor John T. Duggan, and Secretary of War William Howard Taft.

The ceremony began with a prayer by Reverend Daniel Merriman, followed by speeches from Governor Guild and William Franklin Draper, who had become the head of the commission after Senator Hoar's death in 1904. Charles Devens Osborne, the grandnephew of Devens, officially unveiled the statue to the accompaniment of The Star-Spangled Banner. The ceremony concluded with a speech by Stewart L. Woodford, a former Union Army officer and politician from New York. Following the dedication, the veterans were treated to a luncheon at the city armory.

The Design of the Statue

The Equestrian Statue of Charles Devens is a striking bronze sculpture set atop a rectangular granite pedestal. Devens is depicted in his Civil War uniform, with a heavy coat draped over his shoulders, holding the reins of his horse in his right hand. The statue stands 8 meters tall, with the pedestal adding another 5 meters in height. The base of the pedestal is inscribed with the names of various military units from Worcester County and the towns that contributed men to the Union cause during the Civil War.

Art historian Michael Richman has compared the statue to an earlier equestrian statue of Ulysses S. Grant by the same sculptors, noting its unique qualities while acknowledging its stylistic similarities. The statue's imposing presence and meticulous detail make it a captivating piece of public art.

Recent History

In 1950, the statue was moved slightly to accommodate an expansion of the courthouse. Today, it stands at the intersection of Main Street and Highland Street, overlooking Lincoln Square. In 1994, it was inspected as part of the Save Outdoor Sculpture! project. The old courthouse, vacant since 2008, was sold in 2015 to developers planning to convert it into apartments, with agreements in place to preserve the historical integrity of the property, including the statue. As of 2017, the statue remains in its prominent location, continuing to honor General Charles Devens and his contributions to American history.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply exploring Worcester, the Equestrian Statue of Charles Devens is a site that should not be missed. Its rich history and stunning craftsmanship offer a glimpse into the past and a tribute to a remarkable individual who played a significant role in shaping the nation.