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America’s earliest years were shaped by men of grit and conviction. Many became our first presidents. Walk around Washington, D.C., and you’ll see statues of Washington and Jefferson – but not John Adams. For the man who became our second president and pushed hard for independence, that absence is striking.
The reason is simple; Adams was never as popular as the other founders. The good news is that people are still fighting for him to get the recognition he deserves. This article looks at Adams’ role in shaping the American story -– and why despite his courage and determination, there’s still no statue honoring him in Washington.
You can honor our nation’s Revolutionary roots with historical American-made flags from Freedom and Glory — built here, for here.
John Adams: The Man that Lit the Fires of Revolution
John Adams was born in 1735 in a small farming town called Braintree, Massachusetts. After building his career as a lawyer in Boston, he served in the Continental Congress, where he met George Washington and began a full-time career shaping American politics. Though best known as the second president of the United States, it was his work before the presidency that changed the the country forever.
When Congress met in Philadelphia in 1775, many members weren't convinced that independence was in the nation's best interest. To persuade them, the Continental Congress formed a committee, which included notable names like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams.
Adams was the state's representative for both the first and second Continental Congress, so he was no stranger to working with men who held strong opinions. He became a fierce advocate for independence, carrying forward the spirit of disruption and American resilience. It's thought that without Adams' persistence and persuasiveness, Thomas Jefferson would never have written the Declaration of Independence, a major step toward the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
Today the Declaration stands as a proud symbol of independence, but at its birth, it stirred as much debate as unity.
It would take numerous speeches from John Adams to rally the support needed for approval.
Finally, on July 2, 1776, Congress held a final vote for independence and adopted the Declaration two days later on July 4, 1776. Interestingly, while the 4th of July became the official Independence Day, John Adams always held that July 2, the day of the actual vote, was America's true liberation day from England. Until his death, he refused to celebrate it on any other date.
Why Doesn't DC Have a John Adams Statue: The Case of the Missing Memorial
With so many statues around the nation's Capital, it seems strange that there's nothing honoring John Adams, but there's a few possible reasons behind this oversight.
Historical Overshadowing From Washington and Jefferson
One of the reasons John Adams doesn't get as much recognition as he should is because he was flanked by men with huge political accomplishments. George Washington was a decorated military leader and the first president of the United States. Thomas Jefferson was the third president and the primary writer of the Declaration of Independence.
Meanwhile, John Adams spent his time working behind the scenes, fighting for the country. He didn't take center stage like the other early presidents.
He was also impatient, outspoken, and blunt. He didn't have the charisma and diplomacy of Jefferson or the distinguished presence of Washington. In short, he simply wasn't as popular, which worked against him politically.
Unremarkable Second Presidency
Following George Washington as president was no easy task. The general was beloved and respected, and Adams had big shoes to fill.
Elected in 1796, John Adams soon found himself at the center of fierce division. His presidency was tested by crises abroad. A Quasi War with France and the XYZ Affair strained public trust. Then came the Alien and Sedition Acts, laws that silenced critics and cost him support. By 1800, Thomas Jefferson prevailed at the ballot box, leaving Adams to serve only a single term.
Legislative Hurdles
The quest to honor John Adams has been in motion for almost 25 years. In 2001, Congress passed legislation to establish a memorial to the entire Adams family.
The Adams Memorial Foundation was put in charge of creating the Adams National Historical Park on the National Mall. The memorial would celebrate John Adams, his first lady, Abigail, their son, John Quincy Adams, who became the sixth president of the United States, and other notable family members. The committee couldn’t agree on a site, and the project stalled. In July 2018, the House of Representatives passed another bill to "establish a commission to plan, fundraise, and build a memorial to the country's second president."
Are There Plans to Build a John Adams Statue?
Yes, Congress has passed bipartisan legislation to authorize land, possibly in President's Park on the south side of the White House, for a John Adams statue. In 2020, President Trump chose the first two presidential appointees to the Adams Memorial Commission, and in 2023, President Biden selected the final two. With the appointment of additional members by the House, the statue was one step closer to being made. However, the Commission is still awaiting four senatorial appointees. Once chosen, building the stature isn't a quick process, with a 7 to 12 year wait time for completion.
Where Can I Find a Statue of John Adams?
Even though there's not a statue of John Adams in the Capitol yet, there are memorials around the country. You can find them located in numerous New England states, like the John Adams Courthouse in Boston and around Adams, New York. Not all monuments to the second president are statues; he's also recognized through landmarks like Mount Adams in New Hampshire.
Celebrate the Legacy of John Adams with Freedom and Glory
President John Adams shows the impact one person can have when they embrace the spirit of self-reliance and disruption. Celebrate his legacy with high-quality flags from Freedom and Glory. Explore our full line of historical ensigns, including the Gadsden Flag, which showcases the strength and determination of those who created the American story. Embrace the resiliency and courage of the brave men and women who aren't afraid to stand up for freedom with top-quality flags from Freedom and Glory.
