Context

One Chicago’s most unusual installations of a public sculpture is the equestrian-mounted figure of General John A. Logan – a respected Illinois-born Union commander during the Civil War. Placed atop a tall grassy mound, it is one of three works in Chicago by created by the collaboration of noted East Coast sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and equally famed New York City architect Stanford White. The horse was sculpted by Alexander Phimister Proctor, who specialized in the depiction of animals and often was engaged for participation on equestrian sculptures. As a leader and active participant in the Grand Army of the Republic - the principal organization for Union Civil War veterans - Logan was a leader in establishing the national Memorial Day observances. Deservedly respected for his Civil War leadership, General Logan’s background is not without its controversies. His military career began as a soldier volunteer in the Mexican War. In his early career in politically-held office, he allied with Democrat Stephen A. Douglas, and participated in legislation directed towards halting black migration and settlement in Illinois.