One of Downtown’s most recognizable landmarks is the statue of Andrew Jackson astride his rearing horse that’s in front of the Landing. It’s a replica of an equestrian statue created by sculptor Clark Mills that’s located in Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. near the White House. While it appears that Maj. Gen. Jackson is tipping his hat to his namesake city’s modern skyline, it actually depicts him on Jan. 6, 1815 as he saluted his troops during the Battle of New Orleans.
The statue was dedicated on June 27, 1987 by the late U.S. Rep. Charles Bennett and former Mayor Jake Godbold as part of the Landing’s grand opening celebration. It stands nine feet tall and weighs 2,800 pounds. As part of the Laura Street improvement project the statue will be moved to the new roundabout in front of the Landing.
The statue’s silhouette is also the central element on Jacksonville’s City seal and flag.