Trump-Commissioned ‘Spirit of ’76’ Exhibition Highlights Overlooked Revolutionary War Heroes at Freedom Plaza

A sprawling new public art installation at Freedom Plaza has opened its doors to commemorate the overlooked heroes of the American Revolution, featuring 22 sculptural works commissioned by President Donald Trump as part of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration. The temporary exhibition transforms the capital plaza into an outdoor museum dedicated to Revolutionary figures whose contributions have largely escaped mainstream historical recognition, according to exhibition designer Matthew Taylor.

The centerpiece of the installation is a restored equestrian bronze statue of Caesar Rodney, the Delaware statesman and Declaration of Independence signer who made his legendary 80-mile overnight ride through a storm in July 1776 to break a deadlock in his state’s delegation and secure independence. Taylor emphasized Rodney’s pivotal role during a tour, noting that most Americans remain unfamiliar with the figure despite his critical contribution to the nation’s founding.

Surrounding Rodney’s statue are 12 bronze sculptures depicting ordinary soldiers whose stories exemplify the sacrifices of the Revolutionary generation. Among them are Samuel Whittemore, who fought British troops at age 78 after being bayoneted and shot in the head, and Simon Knowles, who enlisted at just 15 years old and served throughout the war before becoming a farmer.

A striking 23-foot bronze figure titled “Spirit of Liberty” anchors the exhibition, holding a replica of the Declaration of Independence while raising a sword skyward. The statue’s base features reliefs depicting three pivotal Revolutionary moments: the Declaration’s signing, Washington crossing the Delaware River, and the British surrender at Yorktown.

The exhibition also includes a prison ship memorial designed as a walk-through installation with bronze panels recreating the outline of a British prison vessel. According to the National Park Service, nearly 12,000 Americans perished aboard such ships during the Revolution—a death toll exceeding combat casualties—with a recently restored fountain providing ambient sound to enhance the immersive experience.

The National Park Service notes the exhibition was created to honor the “heroes and martyrs of the Revolution” and celebrate the enduring “Spirit of ’76” throughout America’s 250th anniversary year. The free exhibition will remain on display for the duration of the semiquincentennial celebration.