Clark, George Rogers, Sculpture
Also known as: VDHR No. 104-0252
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Why it's listed
Set in a small triangular park at the eastern edge of the University of Virginia campus, this bronze group shows frontiersman George Rogers Clark on horseback, reining in his stallion as he meets three Native Americans. Three members of his party crouch and peer from behind the horse with weapons pointed downward. Sculptor Robert Ingersoll Aitken designed the work and its rustic pink granite pedestal, which is inscribed "Conqueror of the Northwest." The figures were cast by the Gorham Company, and the group stands about 24 feet high. Philanthropist Paul Goodloe McIntire commissioned it in 1919 and it was erected in 1921. It was the fourth of four sculptures he commissioned from National Sculpture Society members, and the only one given to the university. Aitken won the Watrous Medal from the National Academy of Design for it in 1921. It is valued as a significant example of figurative outdoor sculpture from the late City Beautiful movement.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is an important art object showing the figurative style of outdoor sculpture by members of the National Sculpture Society, a group linked to the City Beautiful movement. It was the fourth of four sculptures commissioned by Paul Goodloe McIntire between 1919 and 1924, and the only one given to the University of Virginia. It is significant at the state level and retains its historic integrity.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 97000448, listed May 16, 1997. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Monument Square, bounded by University and Jefferson Park Aves. and the railroad tracks, Charlottesville |
|---|---|
| County | Albemarle County |
| Listed | May 16, 1997 |
| Reference number | 97000448 |
| Resource type | Object |
| Period of significance | 1919-1924 |
| Architect / builder | Aitken, Robert |
| Criteria |
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| Areas of significance | Art |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Retains integrity; bronze figures show a green patina after more than 75 years of exposure, and mature trees in the park obscure the sculpture from all but the University Avenue side. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 38.03329, -78.49890 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 97000448.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14712354
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.