Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all Washington, D.C. places

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Public art

Historic Bridge Ornamentation of the Taft Bridge

Discover the ornate artistry of the Taft Bridge, featuring massive concrete lions, bronze eagles, and 56 identical sculptures of Sioux chief Kicking Bear on this historic monolithic concrete crossing.

Open prototype Official site Get directions

What is the Historic Bridge Ornamentation of the Taft Bridge known for?

The bridge is known for its artistic monuments, including four concrete lion sculptures (the Perry Lions), 56 identical sculptures of the head of Sioux chief Kicking Bear, a bison sculpture on top, and decorative cast-iron lampposts featuring bronze eagles.

Who designed the sculptures and lamps on the Taft Bridge?

The concrete sculptures, including the lions, were designed by Roland Hinton Perry, and the cast-iron lampposts were designed by Ernest C. Bairstow.

What is the architectural style of the bridge's ornamentation?

While the bridge features five Roman-style arches, its decorative elements are described as being purely American in style.

When was the Taft Bridge constructed?

Construction of the bridge took place from 1897 to 1907.

What is the history of the bridge's name?

Originally called the Connecticut Avenue Bridge, it was renamed the William Howard Taft Bridge in 1930 following Taft's death.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Historic Bridge Ornamentation of the Taft Bridge represents a pivotal shift in engineering, moving from purely utilitarian structures to artistic monuments. Constructed between 1897 and 1907, the bridge was the largest monolithic concrete bridge in the world at the time of its completion. Designed by the noted engineer George S. Morison, the 52-foot-wide structure features five Roman-style arches, though its decorative elements are distinctly American in style. Supervising architect Edward Pearce Casey oversaw a project rich in symbolic sculpture. Most prominent are the four concrete lion sculptures, known as the Perry Lions, designed by Roland Hinton Perry, who also created the Neptune Fountain at the Library of Congress. While these lions were restored to great acclaim shortly before 2006, they have not always been praised; the WPA Guide once described them as 'rather anemic lions.' Beyond the lions, the bridge's sides are adorned with 56 identical sculptures of the head of Kicking Bear, a Sioux chief who fought at the Battle of Little Big Horn and later toured with Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West show. This unique imagery is paired with a bison sculpture located on top of the bridge, blending indigenous American history with civic architecture. Completing the aesthetic are the cast-iron lampposts designed by Ernest C. Bairstow, which feature decorative lamps topped with bronze eagles. Originally named the Connecticut Avenue Bridge, the structure was renamed in 1930 to honor William Howard Taft following his death, cementing its place as both a functional transit point over the Rock Creek valley and a gallery of public art.

Visitor tips

  • Walk along the sides of the bridge to find and count the 56 identical sculptures of Kicking Bear.
  • Look up at the lampposts to spot the detailed bronze eagles designed by Ernest C. Bairstow.
  • Visit during the golden hour for the best lighting on the Perry Lions' concrete textures.

Nearby context

The bridge serves as a critical link carrying Connecticut Avenue over the scenic Rock Creek valley, blending the urban grid of Washington, D.C. with the natural greenery of the creek below.

Sources

Evidence and links