A new exhibition at Washington D.C.'s Freedom Plaza, commissioned by former President Donald Trump, is drawing attention to lesser-known figures of the Revolutionary War. Titled 'Spirit of '76,' the temporary installation aims to honor the "heroes and martyrs of the Revolution" as part of America's 250th anniversary.
The exhibit features 22 statues and sculptural installations, including a prominent centerpiece of a 23-foot bronze figure called the "Spirit of Liberty," holding the Declaration of Independence aloft. Also featured is a restored equestrian statue of Caesar Rodney, a Delaware statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Designer Matthew Taylor highlighted Rodney's critical role, noting his legendary overnight ride from Dover to Philadelphia in July 1776. Despite severe illness, Rodney traveled approximately 80 miles through a storm to cast Delaware's deciding vote in favor of independence, breaking a legislative deadlock.
"Most Americans have never heard of Caesar Rodney," Taylor told Fox News Digital. "But we owe this man an enormous debt of gratitude."
Beyond Rodney, the exhibition showcases sculptures of "12 Soldiers of the Revolution," representing ordinary citizens who served during the war. These figures include Samuel Whittemore, who fought British troops at age 78 and survived severe injuries, and Simon Knowles, who enlisted at 15 and served throughout the conflict.
"These are ordinary citizens who did extraordinary things," Taylor said. "Every one of these statues tells the story of someone who answered the call during the Revolution."
Another installation, the Prison Ship Martyrs memorial, recreates the outline of a British prison ship to honor the nearly 12,000 Americans who died in captivity during the war, a number greater than those killed in combat.
The "Spirit of Liberty" statue, standing 23 feet tall, is surrounded by reliefs depicting key moments of the Revolution: the signing of the Declaration, George Washington crossing the Delaware River, and the British surrender at Yorktown.
The exhibition is free to the public and is scheduled to remain on display throughout the nation's semiquincentennial celebration. Taylor expressed hope that visitors would leave with a greater appreciation for the contributions of everyday individuals in shaping the nation's history.