Monument to General William Tecumseh Sherman perpetuates the image of one of the most famous American generals of the Civil war. This man did a lot for the development of military art, but his ambivalent reputation.

Unusual middle name Sherman Sr. gave his son in honor of the great native American warrior of the early XIX century. Father was right: the young man graduated from the Military Academy, participated in the Mexican war (which the US took from Mexico to California). On the eve of the Civil war, Sherman served as the head of the military school of Louisiana, after the separation of the southern States resigned and went to Washington. Here he tried to explain to President Lincoln that the North to war is not ready, but understanding is not met. Six months later, Colonel Sherman took part in the battle of bull run – the northerners were defeated, but the courage of the Sherman impressed with Lincoln, and the President made a Colonel to Brigadier General. Sherman bravely fought at Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chattanooga. Most known for his campaign in Georgia.

It was here that Sherman used two strategic innovations: lightning March deep into enemy territory (the predecessor of blitzkrieg and total war with the destruction of enemy infrastructure. Scorched earth policy led to the destruction of industry in the South, the railroad turned into "Sherman's neckties" (northerners coiled around the rails around the trunks of trees). Atlanta and Savannah were burned to the ground. Still in the southern States the name of the General causes rejection.

Sherman was decisive and brutal soldier, he owns the famous phrase "War is hell". In 1884 he was offered to run for President, but he flatly refused. Sherman died in new York in 1891, his funeral was held on a frosty February day. At the tomb with a naked head stood General Johnston, who fought against Sherman in Georgia. When Johnston advised to cover his head, he replied: "If Sherman was standing over my coffin, he would not put on his hat". That day Johnston had a cold and then died of pneumonia.

Monument to General was carved by the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The wizard caught in Sherman live and sculpted his bust, so gilded statue at the Grand army Plaza is a portrait likeness of the hero. The sculptor worked on the statue of eleven years – this is his last major work. Sherman is depicted on horseback, the front struts allegorical winged figure. She is treated differently: that as a Victory, as the angel of peace. The horse walks through the pine branches, the symbol of the defeated Georgia.