Jackson, Thomas Jonathan, Scuplture
Also known as: VDHR No. 104-0251
Why it's listed
Jackson Park in Charlottesville holds a bronze equestrian sculpture of Thomas Jonathan Jackson riding his horse Little Sorrel into battle. Sculptor Charles Keck created it, and it was finished in 1921. The figures were cast by Roman Bronze Works of Brooklyn, and Lloyd Brothers Memorials of Washington, D.C., made the pink granite pedestal, which is carved with the winged figures of Faith and Valor. The whole work stands about 24 feet high. Philanthropist Paul Goodloe McIntire commissioned it and gave it, along with the park site, to the city. It was the third of four sculptures he commissioned from members of the National Sculpture Society. Local horsemen criticized Keck's first model of the horse, and he adjusted its proportions before casting. The sculpture is recognized as an important example of the figurative outdoor sculpture associated with the late City Beautiful movement, and it retains its original location, design, setting and materials.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the sculpture is significant at the state level under Criterion C as an important work of art showing the figurative style of outdoor sculpture by members of the National Sculpture Society, whose origins are tied to the City Beautiful movement. It was the third of four sculptures commissioned by philanthropist Paul Goodloe McIntire and was considered by many among the finest equestrian sculptures in the nation. It 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 97000446, listed May 16, 1997. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Jackson Park, bounded by High, Jefferson, and 4th Sts., and Albemarle Co. Courthouse, Charlottesville (Independent City) |
|---|---|
| County | Charlottesville |
| Listed | May 16, 1997 |
| Reference number | 97000446 |
| Resource type | Object |
| Period of significance | 1919-1924 |
| Architect / builder | Keck, Charles |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Art |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Bronze figures have a bright green patina with streaks of corrosion running onto the pedestal; the pedestal is otherwise in good condition apart from minor chips. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 38.03188, -78.47508 (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 97000446.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q16892781
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.