STATUES IN LONDON OF AMERICAN PRESIDENTS
STATUES IN LONDON OF AMERICAN PRESIDENTS George Washington (1789–97) George Washington swore he would never set foot in England. So, when in 1924 the state of Virginia gifted this statue to London, they also sent some American soil for it to stand on. It can be seen in front of the National Gallery. Washington is holding thirteen fasces, representing the original thirteen states. Washington was the first president of the United States after leading the Continental Army to independence from the British. He was a slave owner; although he did renounce slavery near the end of his life . The story about him refusing to lie about damaging his father's cherry tree may be apocryphal. But his birthday on February 22 is still celebrated with cherry dishes. Presidential ranking (according to 2022 Siena University study): 3/45 " Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself." George ...