1600 Block Monument Avenue, Richmond, Independent City, Virginia

Significance: Between Stuart Circle at Lombardy Street and Lee Circle at Allen Avenue lies the first block of Monument Avenue, anchored on the east by the equestrian statue of J.E.B. Stuart and on the west by the Lee Monument. Designed by French sculptor Jean Antoine Mercie, the statue of Robert E. Lee mounted on his horse, Traveller, sits on an elaborate Beaux-Arts pedestal. Commissioned in 1887, the statue was unveiled in May 1890. As platted on Burgwyn's layout accompanying the 1887 deed to the Lee Monument Association, Monument Avenue's 140' width on this block, contrasting with narrower West Franklin Street, forms a ceremonial approach to the monument. Quadrant lots mark all four corners of the 1600 block, and what was built on each quadrant demonstrates a unique attitude towards its monumental circle.
Survey number: HABS VA-1299
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 90002098