Three Circles In Washington, D.C.
Within a few blocks of each other in Washington, D.C. lie three circles with equestrian statues commemorating three American heroes. Logan Circle, located at the intersection of 13th street and Rhode Island and Vermont Avenues N.W. and Massachusetts Ave N.W. honors General John Logan, a hero of the Battles of Vicksburg and Atlanta, a founder of Memorial Day, and a U.S. Senator and unsuccessful vice-presidential candidate in 1884. Thomas Circle, located about two blocks west of Logan Circle at 14th and Massachusetts Ave N.W. honors Civil War General George Thomas, one of the Union's greatest generals best-known as the "Rock of Chickamauga". Two blocks further west at 16th and M Street is Scott Circle, named for Winfield Scott, a hero of the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, several Indian wars, and the Civil War, and unsuccessful presidential candidate in 1852. Each of the three circles has a long history and each has witnessed much of the varied life of the city.
In his book "The Neighborhoods of Logan, Scott, and Thomas Circles", (2001), Washington D.C. architectural historian Paul K. Williams offers a photographic history of each of the three circles. Williams presents a brief introduction to Logan, Thomas, and Scott Circles, followed by separate chapters devoted to each neighborhood.
Today's Logan Circle began its history as a Civil War camp which became notorious as a site for hanging deserters and spies. After the Civil War, the Circle became a premier Washington, D.C. residential area, the home of notables such as Ulysses Grant and John Logan himself. At the turn of the Century Logan Circle became home to Washington D.C.'s black elite. The statute to Logan was dedicated in 1901, and Congress changed the name of the circle from "Iowa Circle" to Logan Circle in 1930. Beginning in 1940s, Logan Circle entered into a long, severe period of decline and blight. Together with Thomas Circle, Logan Circle became the center of Washington D.C.'s red-light district, downplayed somewhat by Williams. Rehabilitation of the area began in earnest in the 1970s and continues today. The area was recognized as a Historic District in 1972. Williams offers fascinating views of the many historic homes in the Logan Circle area and of persons who have called Logan Circle home, including early Civil Rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune, and Bishop Charles "Sweet Daddy" Grace, the founder of the D.C. church known as the "United House of Prayer for all People." The most impressive photographs are those of Logan Circle itself, at various times, seasons of the year, and states of repair. The Circle and General Logan bear witness to the changes seen in the area.
Thomas Circle is today the site of one of Washington D.C's busiest intersections, but it too began as a rural area. The statue to General Thomas dates from 1879. Unlike Logan Circle, Thomas Circle became commercialized. The large residences which one occupied the area were replaced by large hotels and businesses, creating today's urban environment. The Luther Place Memorial Church and the Christian National City Church lie on the northeast and northwest sides of Thomas Circle and add great presence. An underpass was constructed under the Circle on Massachusetts Avenue in 1940. Here again, Williams' most impressive photographs are those of General Thomas and his circle, such as the stunning photograph of the statue during a cold winter night of 1918 (p. 69). Williams again downplays the lengthy period of notoriety of Thomas Circle.
Scott Circle actually includes three memorials. In thinking about this book, I visited Scott Circle and watched the endless flow of pedestrians and traffic. Scott Circle itself has no place to sit, and I went to the large memorial to the German physician Samuel Hahnemann, dedicated in 1900 (p. 98) just east of the statue of Scott. Scott's statue dates from 1874. Just west of the statue to Scott is a statue to Senator Daniel Webster, dedicated on a winter's day in 1900.( p. 95) During its early years, Scott Circle was home to large mansions owned by the politically powerful and the wealthy. The character of the area changed, and today Scott Circle consists of office and apartment buildings that bear little relationship to the historical character of the area that Williams documents. Williams offers interesting photographs of the interiors and exteriors of the old mansions. He falls victim to confusion in mistaking Winfield Scott for his near namesake, General Winfield Scott Hancock, the Union hero of the Battle of Gettysburg. The purported photograph of Winfield Scott in Williams' book (p. 87) is in fact a photo of Hancock. Scott Circle has an interesting history but little of the racy past of Logan and Thomas Circles.
It is a delight to visit these Circles with Williams and to think about what these distinguished generals on horseback have seen over the years.
