New Exhibit Honors Unsung Heroes of the Revolutionary War

Designer Matthew Taylor recently stood beneath a towering 23-foot bronze statue symbolizing the Declaration of Independence, beside an equestrian statue of a historical figure many Americans might not recognize.

“Most Americans have never heard of Caesar Rodney,” Taylor remarked during a special tour of the Spirit of ’76 exhibit at Freedom Plaza. “But we owe him a lot.”

Launched as part of the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary, this temporary exhibition transforms Freedom Plaza into a tribute to Revolutionary War figures often overlooked in history classes.

Commissioned during Donald Trump’s presidency, the exhibit features 22 statues and installations, including a restored Rodney Equestrian Monument, a prominent Spirit of Liberty centerpiece, and bronze figures representing soldiers from the Revolutionary War. There’s also a memorial dedicated to Americans who lost their lives on British POW ships during that time.

The National Park Service described the exhibit as a way to honor the “heroes and martyrs of the Revolution” while celebrating the lasting spirit of ’76 that resonates with many Americans today.

Among the displays is Rodney’s equestrian statue, as well as memorials like the “Twelve Soldiers of the Revolution” and the 23-foot Spirit of Liberty statue.

Instead of starting with widely known figures like George Washington or Thomas Jefferson, Taylor chose to first focus on Rodney.

Rodney, a Delaware politician and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is famed for his remarkable overnight journey from Dover to Philadelphia in July 1776. Although he was quite ill, he managed to travel roughly 130 miles through a storm to break a deadlock in Delaware and cast a crucial vote for independence.

“Caesar Rodney is one of the most remarkable signers of the Declaration of Independence,” Taylor noted. “When the Delaware delegation hit an impasse, he rode all night to secure American independence.”

That statue had been standing in Wilmington’s Rodney Square for years but was removed in 2020. Now, it finds a prominent new home just a few blocks from the White House and Capitol.

From Rodney’s Ride, Taylor skillfully guides visitors to the next phase of America’s history.

Bronze statues representing 12 Revolutionary War soldiers adorn the plaza. Unlike the typical portrayal of famous generals, these figures honor everyday Americans whose stories illustrate the sacrifices made for independence.

“These are ordinary individuals who achieved extraordinary feats,” Taylor emphasized. “Every statue tells the tale of someone who rose to the occasion during the revolution.”

One such story is that of Samuel Whitmore, who fought against the British at the age of 78. Taylor revealed that Whitmore not only survived multiple stab wounds and a gunshot but lived into his 90s afterward.

Another figure, Simon Knowles, enlisted at only 15 and served with George Washington throughout much of the war before returning to his life as a farmer.

These accounts reflect the central message of the exhibition, according to Taylor.

“Unlike statues of George Washington or Thomas Jefferson, these memorials celebrate the everyday Americans who accomplish amazing things,” he said.

Nearby, another installation highlights a tragic aspect of the revolution that many may not know.

The Prison Ship Martyrs Memorial allows visitors to walk through its narrow bronze panels that outline a British prison ship. The National Park Service estimates that around 12,000 Americans lost their lives aboard POW ships during the Revolutionary War—more than those killed in battle.

Taylor pointed out that the installation is designed to provide an immersive experience. “When you enter, you can hear water flowing from the fountain,” he said, emphasizing how it helps pull visitors into the narrative.

The fountain is also part of the restored plaza, designed to enhance the surroundings of the monument.

Dominating the exhibition is the Spirit of Liberty statue, a new bronze piece that draws from America’s iconic monuments while looking forward to the next 250 years. It holds a replica of the Declaration of Independence in one hand and a sword raised triumphantly in the other. Around its base, reliefs depict key moments from the Revolution: the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River, and the British surrender at Yorktown.

“The Spirit of Liberty signifies the sacrifices made to create this nation,” Taylor explained.

During the tour for Fox News Digital, visitors gathered in the plaza to take pictures against a backdrop of the Washington skyline. The bronze statue was impressively framed against a bright summer sky, with Rodney’s horse appearing to pause mid-stride, as if still on that historic journey that shaped the country’s founding.

For Taylor, who has dedicated much of his career to designing historically significant pieces, this exhibition is about more than just celebrating famous names.

He hopes that when visitors leave, they’ll remember the people they never learned about until arriving at Freedom Plaza.

“I hope they realize that they, too, can achieve something remarkable. America was built by ordinary people seizing extraordinary moments,” Taylor concluded.

The Spirit of ’76 exhibit is free and open to the public, remaining on display during the 250th anniversary festivities.