There is a new encampment at Freedom Plaza that brings an important piece of history into the present.
The Department of the Interior has placed Revolutionary War figures at Freedom Plaza in downtown Washington, D.C., a site associated with protests and encampments.
“This exhibition featuring Caesar Rodney and the 12 Soldiers of the Revolutionary War is a powerful tribute to the patriots whose service and sacrifice helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today,” Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum told Fox News Digital.
The installation includes a statue of founding father Caesar Rodney with 12 bronze Revolutionary War soldiers.
Freedom Plaza was known as “tent city” during economic protests in 2011. It was also a staging area for protests during the summer of 2020, when riots broke out in cities nationwide following the death of George Floyd.
“As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this exhibition is one of the many ways President Donald J. Trump is ensuring that the stories of the men and women who built this nation are preserved, honored and shared for generations to come,” Burgum said. “Our history is one of courage, opportunity and exceptionalism, and this exhibition helps bring that legacy to life for all Americans.”
Rodney is known for his overnight ride from Delaware to Philadelphia in July 1776, traveling nearly 80 miles to break a deadlock within Delaware’s delegation.
His vote helped secure unanimous support among the colonies that cast votes for independence.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, Freedom Plaza will offer visitors a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of Americans who fought to secure our independence nearly 250 years ago,” DOI official Matthew Middleton said.
The 12 other soldiers whose statues in Freedom Plaza are Simon Knowles, Caesar Glover, Joseph Warren, Jude Hall, Peter Muhlenberg, James Armistead Lafayette, Samuel Whittemore, Jack Sisson, James Caldwell, Peter Salem, Naphtali Daggett and Salem Poor.
In 2020, a statue of Rodney in Wilmington was removed as monument debates over historical figures with ties to slavery intensified. The statue was moved to Freedom Plaza to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Freedom Plaza was established in 1980 and was originally named Western Plaza.
It was renamed in 1988 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. It was an encampment site for the homeless until recent federal crackdowns under the Trump administration.
The plaza will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the exhibit’s installation.
