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Secondary sourceSculpture1921 (statue); photographed 2012

Steuben Monument by J. Otto Schweizer

J. Otto Schweizer · 1921 (statue); photographed 2012

A modern photograph of a 1921 bronze equestrian monument honoring Steuben, sculpted by J. Otto Schweizer.

This later monument commemorates Steuben's military service and legacy in America.

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Bronze equestrian statue of a mounted officer in a tricorn hat and cloak, on a tall granite pedestal inscribed 'Frederick William von Steuben'. A bronze plaque is on the side, bushes in front, a flag and a brick building at left, blue sky above.
J. Otto Schweizer, Steuben Monument, 1921. Photograph by Ilona Gonzalez, 2012.

About this source

What it is

This is a photograph, taken in 2012, of a bronze equestrian statue created in 1921 by sculptor J. Otto Schweizer. The statue shows a mounted officer in a tricorn hat and cloak on a tall granite pedestal inscribed with the name Frederick William von Steuben.

Why it matters

The monument was made more than a century after Steuben's death to honor his memory and role in American history. It shows how later generations chose to remember him as a dignified military leader on horseback, and reflects the lasting reputation he gained for his service.

Look closer

  • Why do you think the sculptor chose to show Steuben on horseback rather than standing?
  • What does the choice of bronze and granite suggest about how important this memorial was meant to be?
  • What is left out of a monument like this that a letter or diary might reveal about a person?

This sculpture is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Friedrich von Steuben on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben · 1779

Oil portrait of an 18th-century man with powdered gray hair, wearing a dark blue coat with gold epaulettes and gold-yellow waistcoat, a red sash and star-shaped order badge, against a dark background.Painting

Primary source

Baron Frederick William von Steuben

Charles Willson Peale · 1780

Large painting of a battlefield scene with a grey, stormy sky. On the left, British redcoat troops stand in lines beside a white flag. On the right, American troops in blue and buff stand beside a striped flag. In the center, a mounted commander on a white horse, with a figure in red uniform walking in front, faces the lines.Painting

Secondary source

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis

John Trumbull · 1819

Oil portrait of an older man with white powdered hair in a dark navy coat with gold epaulettes and tan high-collared lapels and waistcoat. He wears orange-and-red decorations and a star-shaped order on his chest and holds a sword hilt. Behind him are trees and a distant river with sailboats.Painting

Primary source

Major General Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus, Baron von Steuben

Ralph Eleaser Whiteside Earl · 1786

Handwritten letter in brown ink on aged paper, dated Montpellier 12 March 1773 at top right, addressed 'Monsieur' and written in French in cursive script. It is signed at the bottom right with a closing phrase and the name 'de Steuben'.Letter

Primary source

Letter from Montpellier

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben · 12 March 1773

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