Statue of Major General Ambrose E. Burnside
Dublin Core
Title
Statue of Major General Ambrose E. Burnside
Subject (Topic)
Subject (Topic)
Burnside Park--Rhode Island--Providence
Downtown--Neighborhoods--Rhode Island--Providence
Monuments--Rhode Island--Providence
Burnside Park--Rhode Island--Providence
Downtown--Neighborhoods--Rhode Island--Providence
Monuments--Rhode Island--Providence
Subject (Name)
Subject (Name)
Burnside, Ambrose E., 1824-1881
Burnside, Ambrose E., 1824-1881
Subject (Object)
Subject (Object)
Commemorative sculpture
Commemorative sculpture
Description
The Statue of General Ambrose E. Burnside is an equestrian monument depicting Ambrose E. Burnside located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is situated in the eastern corner of Burnside Park, a green space that sits opposite the Kennedy Plaza Bus Station. The monument of Burnside, from the city sidewalk to the top of the bronze statue, is twenty-eight feet seven and a quarter inch tall. The idea for the monument was conceived by Colonel Isaac M. Potter only one day after Burnside’s death on September 13, 1881. Irish sculptor Launt Thompson designed the statue. The memorial was dedicated on July 4, 1887. The dedication of the monument included a lengthy procession with active U.S. soldiers and veterans, as well as a number of speeches including from Reverend Joseph J. Wooley, General Horatio Rogers, Colonel Robert H. I. Goddard, Mayor of Providence Gilbert F. Robbins, and Reverend Christopher Hughes.
The statue shows the horse stands with its head pointed slightly to the left, all four of its large, muscular legs planted on the pedestal. The horse wears a saddle embroidered with a small insignia of an eagle on the left and right flanks of the saddle. Burnside is perched atop the horse as he gazes off to the left, dressed in his military uniform, which is complete with a coat with buttons and a top hat that casts his calm, neutral face in shadow. He holds no weapons; instead, he grasps binoculars in his right hand and seems to be in a position of scouting. Both of his feet rest in the stirrups, and he does not hold the reins of the horse, instead hovering his left hand above the saddle. The pedestal of the monument is a simple granite rectangular structure that portrays the general’s name, "Burnside," in capital letters. Below the pedestal lies a rectangular granite foundation.
The statue shows the horse stands with its head pointed slightly to the left, all four of its large, muscular legs planted on the pedestal. The horse wears a saddle embroidered with a small insignia of an eagle on the left and right flanks of the saddle. Burnside is perched atop the horse as he gazes off to the left, dressed in his military uniform, which is complete with a coat with buttons and a top hat that casts his calm, neutral face in shadow. He holds no weapons; instead, he grasps binoculars in his right hand and seems to be in a position of scouting. Both of his feet rest in the stirrups, and he does not hold the reins of the horse, instead hovering his left hand above the saddle. The pedestal of the monument is a simple granite rectangular structure that portrays the general’s name, "Burnside," in capital letters. Below the pedestal lies a rectangular granite foundation.
Creator
Thompson, Launt, 1833-1894
The Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company, New York City
The Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company, New York City
Source
Photographs by Eric Sung, Professor, Providence College
Date
July 4, 1887
Contributor
General Committee: 1st R.I. Vols., Nicholas Van Slyck, 2nd R.I. Vols., Horatio Rogers and Joseph B. Curtis, 3rd R.I. Art., Charles H. Williams, 4th R.I. Vols., Frank A. Chase, 5th R.I. Art., Isaac M. Potter, 7th R.I. Vols., William H. Joyce, 9th R.I. Vols., J. Talbot Pitman, 10th R.I. Vols., Henry R. Barker, 11th R.I. Vols., Henry S. Olney, 12th R.I. Vols., C. Henry Alexander, 14th R.I. Art., Nelson Viall, 1st R.I. Light Art., Benjamin H. Child and Charles C. Gray, 1st R.I. Cavalry, William Garner, 2nd and 3rd R.I. Cavalry, Edwin C. Pomroy, United States Veteran Association, Gilbert Wilson, Gen. Burnside’s Staff, Robert H. I. Goddard and George R. Fearing, Navy, William B. Avery, Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Historical Society, Edwin Metcalf, Gen. Horatio Rogers, Col. Charles H. Williams, and Capt. Frank A. Chase; Building Committee: Gen. Horatio Rogers, Robert H. I. Goddard, Isaac M. Potter, Hon. Rowland Hazard, George W. Danielson, The Governor of Rhode Island (ex-officio), The Mayor of the City of Providence (ex-officio), Hon. Samuel P. Colt; Design of granite pedestal: Mr. Henry O. Avery and Gen. William R. Walker; Construction of granite foundation and pedestal: Mr. George Gerhard, Mr. Franklin L. Mason, Mr. Frederick L. Mathewson, and Mr. Isaac M. Sweet; Funders: the State of Rhode Island, the City of Providence, and private subscriptions
Rights
City of Providence, 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States
Format
JPEG
Language
English
Type
Visual Arts-Sculpture
Coverage
Burnside Park, 40 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States
Has Part
Inscription on front of pedestal:
BURNSIDE
BURNSIDE
Extent
343.25 in. (871.855 cm)
Medium
Bronze; Granite
Bibliographic Citation
"The Proposed Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, September 23, 1881.
"The Burnside Statue: A Generous Response to the Committee’s Appeal." Providence Journal, December 14, 1881.
"Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, December 20, 1881.
"Cost of a Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, December 31, 1881.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, January 18, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, January 21, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, January 31, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, April 6, 1882.
"The General Assembly. . ." Providence Journal, June 2, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, November 15, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, November 30, 1882.
"Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, December 2, 1882.
"The Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, December 5, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, December 28, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, February 6, 1883.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, February 24, 1883.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, April 23, 1883.
"Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, June 18, 1883.
"The Lamented Burnside." Providence Journal, March 13, 1885.
"House of Representatives." Providence Journal, May 28, 1886.
"The Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, June 14, 1887.
"City Notes." Providence Journal, June 29, 1887.
"The Burnside Monument: The Story of the Monument from Its Inception." Providence Journal, July 3, 1887.
"Dedication of the Equestrian Statue of Major General Ambrose E. Burnside." Providence Journal, July 4, 1887.
"Monument." Providence Journal, July 5, 1887.
Dedication of the Equestrian Statue of Major-General Ambrose E. Burnside. Book. Providence: E.L. Freeman and Son, 1887. Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, RWU E-Books. https://docs.rwu.edu/rwu_ebooks/4/ (accessed September 30, 2025).
"Exchange Place: Objects Against the Plan Now Before the Council." Providence Journal, January 15, 1899.
"Post Office Site." Providence Journal, June 23, 1902.
"Stories of the Street with Suggestions for the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, September 21, 1902.
"The New Post Office." Providence Journal, October 7, 1902.
"The Week in Review." Providence Journal, October 12, 1902.
"Uneventful Session: Considered Re-location of Exchange Place Monuments." Providence Journal, October 17, 1902.
"Relocation of Monuments: Public Hearing Given by House Judiciary Committee." Providence Journal, December 11, 1902.
"Chapter 1077: An Act Authorizing the Relocation of Monuments in the City of Providence." Providence Journal, February 16, 1903.
"Stories of the Street." Providence Journal, May 17, 1903.
"Memorial Day." Providence Journal, May 31, 1903.
"Divers Views: Burnside Statue Must Be Moved." Providence Journal, November 19, 1903.
"Its 37th Annual Department of Rhode Island G. A. R. Encampment: Sessions Geld in Tower Post Hall, Pawtucket." Providence Journal, February 12, 1904.
"Monument To Be Relocated." Providence Journal, May 11, 1905.
"The Burnside Monument." Providence Journal, July 16, 1905.
"Burnside Statue Was Discussed." Providence Journal, August 3, 1905.
"Burnside Statue to Be Relocated." Providence Journal, December 9, 1905.
"Burnside Statue to Be Moved." Providence Journal, December 19, 1905.
"Burnside Statue in Place: Bronze Equestrian Figure on new Base in Front of Depot," Providence Journal, July 28, 1906.
"Passed in Concurrence." Providence Journal, June 28, 1910.
"Public Statues." Providence Journal, September 28, 1913.
"News of Twenty-Five Years Ago." Providence Journal, May 13, 1928.
"Move is Launched to Give Bath to General Burnside Monument." Providence Journal, May 15, 1935.
"Jonny-cake Pictures." Providence Journal, November 21, 1948.
"R.I. Memorials: Well- and Little-Known Remembrances of Things Past Are Popular Subject for State’s Amateur Photographers." Providence Journal, December 26, 1948.
Roberts, Kenneth B. "A New at the General." Providence Journal, April 21, 1957.
"Mall Proposal Clarified." Providence Journal, December 19, 1959.
"Gen. Burnside Statue Base to Be Cleaned." Providence Journal, June 20, 1969.
Williams, L. Jim. "Improving Providence." Providence Journal, July 21, 1991.
Borg, Linda. "Magical History Tour." Providence Journal, July 6, 2002.
Brussat, David. "Hear Ye! Architecture in Court." Providence Journal, April 10, 2008.
Viall III, William A. "Occupy for Restoration, No Revolution." Providence Journal, October 16, 2011.
Pina, Tatiana. "Protest Moves to Bank of America." Providence Journal, October 18, 2011.
"Occupy Providence Participates in ‘Week of Action’." Providence Journal, November 5, 2011.
Hill, John. "Drawing the Line on City’s Future in Era of Climate Change." Providence Journal, November 24, 2013.
Hill, John. "A General Improvement: Refurbished Statue of Ambrose Burnside Ready for Inspection in Kennedy Plaza." Providence Journal, August 3, 2015.
Calendar, McAuslan & Troup Co. "Burnside Memorial statue, Providence," n.d., Edward J. Ozog Collection, VM021_689, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM021_689.
Berger Bros. "Union Station, Providence," n.d., Edward J. Ozog Collection, VM021_672, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM021_672.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC1552, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC1552.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0925, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0925.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0924, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0924.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0921, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0921.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0920, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0920.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0919, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0919.
Photograph of Exchange Place. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0668, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0668.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_FIC0188, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_FIC0188.
Photograph of Construction of Post Office on Exchange Place, n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_FIC0254, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_FIC0254.
Robbins Bros. Co. "Union Station and Burnside Park, Providence," 1907, Edward J. Ozog Collection, VM021_674, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM021_674.
Blanchard Young & Co. "Union Station and Burnside Park, Providence," 1915, Edward J. Ozog Collection, VM021_682, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM021_682.
Cady, John Hutchins. Newspaper clipping of Burnside Statue, 1925-1965, John Hutchins Cady Research Scrapbooks, VM011_03_02_068, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM011_03_02_068.
Cady, John Hutchins. Postcard of Burnside Statue, 1925-1965, John Hutchins Cady Research Scrapbooks, VM011_03_02_067, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM011_03_02_067.
"The Burnside Statue: A Generous Response to the Committee’s Appeal." Providence Journal, December 14, 1881.
"Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, December 20, 1881.
"Cost of a Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, December 31, 1881.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, January 18, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, January 21, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, January 31, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, April 6, 1882.
"The General Assembly. . ." Providence Journal, June 2, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, November 15, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, November 30, 1882.
"Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, December 2, 1882.
"The Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, December 5, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, December 28, 1882.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, February 6, 1883.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, February 24, 1883.
"Further Contribution to the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, April 23, 1883.
"Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, June 18, 1883.
"The Lamented Burnside." Providence Journal, March 13, 1885.
"House of Representatives." Providence Journal, May 28, 1886.
"The Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, June 14, 1887.
"City Notes." Providence Journal, June 29, 1887.
"The Burnside Monument: The Story of the Monument from Its Inception." Providence Journal, July 3, 1887.
"Dedication of the Equestrian Statue of Major General Ambrose E. Burnside." Providence Journal, July 4, 1887.
"Monument." Providence Journal, July 5, 1887.
Dedication of the Equestrian Statue of Major-General Ambrose E. Burnside. Book. Providence: E.L. Freeman and Son, 1887. Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, RWU E-Books. https://docs.rwu.edu/rwu_ebooks/4/ (accessed September 30, 2025).
"Exchange Place: Objects Against the Plan Now Before the Council." Providence Journal, January 15, 1899.
"Post Office Site." Providence Journal, June 23, 1902.
"Stories of the Street with Suggestions for the Burnside Statue." Providence Journal, September 21, 1902.
"The New Post Office." Providence Journal, October 7, 1902.
"The Week in Review." Providence Journal, October 12, 1902.
"Uneventful Session: Considered Re-location of Exchange Place Monuments." Providence Journal, October 17, 1902.
"Relocation of Monuments: Public Hearing Given by House Judiciary Committee." Providence Journal, December 11, 1902.
"Chapter 1077: An Act Authorizing the Relocation of Monuments in the City of Providence." Providence Journal, February 16, 1903.
"Stories of the Street." Providence Journal, May 17, 1903.
"Memorial Day." Providence Journal, May 31, 1903.
"Divers Views: Burnside Statue Must Be Moved." Providence Journal, November 19, 1903.
"Its 37th Annual Department of Rhode Island G. A. R. Encampment: Sessions Geld in Tower Post Hall, Pawtucket." Providence Journal, February 12, 1904.
"Monument To Be Relocated." Providence Journal, May 11, 1905.
"The Burnside Monument." Providence Journal, July 16, 1905.
"Burnside Statue Was Discussed." Providence Journal, August 3, 1905.
"Burnside Statue to Be Relocated." Providence Journal, December 9, 1905.
"Burnside Statue to Be Moved." Providence Journal, December 19, 1905.
"Burnside Statue in Place: Bronze Equestrian Figure on new Base in Front of Depot," Providence Journal, July 28, 1906.
"Passed in Concurrence." Providence Journal, June 28, 1910.
"Public Statues." Providence Journal, September 28, 1913.
"News of Twenty-Five Years Ago." Providence Journal, May 13, 1928.
"Move is Launched to Give Bath to General Burnside Monument." Providence Journal, May 15, 1935.
"Jonny-cake Pictures." Providence Journal, November 21, 1948.
"R.I. Memorials: Well- and Little-Known Remembrances of Things Past Are Popular Subject for State’s Amateur Photographers." Providence Journal, December 26, 1948.
Roberts, Kenneth B. "A New at the General." Providence Journal, April 21, 1957.
"Mall Proposal Clarified." Providence Journal, December 19, 1959.
"Gen. Burnside Statue Base to Be Cleaned." Providence Journal, June 20, 1969.
Williams, L. Jim. "Improving Providence." Providence Journal, July 21, 1991.
Borg, Linda. "Magical History Tour." Providence Journal, July 6, 2002.
Brussat, David. "Hear Ye! Architecture in Court." Providence Journal, April 10, 2008.
Viall III, William A. "Occupy for Restoration, No Revolution." Providence Journal, October 16, 2011.
Pina, Tatiana. "Protest Moves to Bank of America." Providence Journal, October 18, 2011.
"Occupy Providence Participates in ‘Week of Action’." Providence Journal, November 5, 2011.
Hill, John. "Drawing the Line on City’s Future in Era of Climate Change." Providence Journal, November 24, 2013.
Hill, John. "A General Improvement: Refurbished Statue of Ambrose Burnside Ready for Inspection in Kennedy Plaza." Providence Journal, August 3, 2015.
Calendar, McAuslan & Troup Co. "Burnside Memorial statue, Providence," n.d., Edward J. Ozog Collection, VM021_689, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM021_689.
Berger Bros. "Union Station, Providence," n.d., Edward J. Ozog Collection, VM021_672, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM021_672.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC1552, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC1552.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0925, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0925.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0924, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0924.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0921, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0921.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0920, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0920.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0919, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0919.
Photograph of Exchange Place. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_WC0668, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_WC0668.
Photograph of Burnside Statue. n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_FIC0188, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_FIC0188.
Photograph of Construction of Post Office on Exchange Place, n.d., Rhode Island Photograph Collection, VM013_FIC0254, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM013_FIC0254.
Robbins Bros. Co. "Union Station and Burnside Park, Providence," 1907, Edward J. Ozog Collection, VM021_674, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM021_674.
Blanchard Young & Co. "Union Station and Burnside Park, Providence," 1915, Edward J. Ozog Collection, VM021_682, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM021_682.
Cady, John Hutchins. Newspaper clipping of Burnside Statue, 1925-1965, John Hutchins Cady Research Scrapbooks, VM011_03_02_068, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM011_03_02_068.
Cady, John Hutchins. Postcard of Burnside Statue, 1925-1965, John Hutchins Cady Research Scrapbooks, VM011_03_02_067, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library, https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/VM011_03_02_067.
Rights Holder
Department of Art, Culture, Tourism, City of Providence
Geolocation
Citation
Thompson, Launt, 1833-1894
The Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company, New York City
, “Statue of Major General Ambrose E. Burnside,” Commemorative Works of Providence, accessed April 1, 2026, https://monuments.artculturetourism.com/items/show/63.