What the Statues Are
Two public monuments in Massachusetts commemorate Charles Devens, a soldier, jurist, and statesman. In Boston, a bronze statue of Devens stands on the Charles River Esplanade near the Hatch Shell. In Worcester, an equestrian statue stands in front of the historic Worcester County Courthouse, honoring his military service and civic impact.
History
Charles Devens
Charles Devens Jr. (1820–1891) was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He attended Boston Latin School, Harvard College, and Harvard Law School, and began his legal career in western Massachusetts. He later served as a Massachusetts Senator and U.S. Marshal.
Devens’ involvement in enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act, followed by his efforts to aid Thomas Sims, reflects a complex part of his public life and his commitment to justice. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he joined the Union Army and advanced to colonel and later brevet major general. He was wounded at Ball’s Bluff, Seven Pines, and Chancellorsville. His regiment entered Richmond following its surrender.
After the war, Devens commanded the military district of Charleston, served as an associate justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and was U.S. Attorney General under President Rutherford B. Hayes from 1877 to 1881. He remained active in veterans’ organizations and public life until his death in 1891.
Commissioning and Design
The Boston statue was commissioned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1894, sculpted by Olin Levi Warner, and cast in bronze in 1895. Originally placed outside the Massachusetts State House, the figure is approximately 7 feet tall. Its granite base was designed by Marsh, Israels & Harder and carved by John Evans & Company. The statue’s Beaux-Arts style reflects the period’s tradition of commemorating civic leaders through dignified realism.
In 1950, the statue was moved to the Charles River Esplanade near the Hatch Shell to increase public accessibility. It was included in the Smithsonian’s “Save Outdoor Sculpture!” program and rededicated in 1986.
The Worcester monument is an equestrian statue designed collaboratively by Daniel Chester French, who sculpted Devens, and Edward Clark Potter, who sculpted the horse. Cast by the Gorham Manufacturing Company and dedicated in 1906, it stands approximately 8 meters (26 feet) tall, including its granite pedestal. Its inscriptions and artistic details commemorate Devens’ military service and the sacrifices of Worcester County during the Civil War (Waymarking.com, Postcards from The Woo).
What to See
The Boston statue presents Devens as a standing figure, while the Worcester monument portrays him on horseback. Together, the works represent the late 19th- and early 20th-century American tradition of commemorating civic figures through monumental public art. Warner’s Boston statue emphasizes academic realism and portraiture; the Worcester monument by French and Potter foregrounds military leadership and collective memory.
The monuments’ inscriptions and artistic details connect Devens’ life to broader themes of unity, sacrifice, and public service. Their locations in a public park and a downtown area keep them accessible to communities, school groups, and visitors. Both monuments have benefited from restoration and preservation efforts.
Practical Visiting Information
Boston Statue
- Location Charles River Esplanade, Boston, MA, near the Hatch Shell.
- Hours Open daily from dawn until dusk; accessible year-round.
- Admission Free; no tickets required.
- Wheelchair access Paved, wheelchair-accessible paths lead directly to the statue.
- Public transit Take the MBTA Green Line to Science Park or Charles/MGH stations, then walk to the Esplanade.
- Parking Limited metered and garage parking is available nearby; public transit is recommended.
Worcester Equestrian Statue
- Location In front of the Worcester County Courthouse, at the intersection of Main Street and Highland Street, Worcester, MA (myCityHunt).
- Hours Outdoor public monument; accessible 24/7.
- Admission Free; no tickets required.
- Wheelchair access Paved and generally accessible, though some surfaces may be uneven. The Worcester Visitor Center can provide details.
- Public transit WRTA bus stops are near Lincoln Square. The MBTA Commuter Rail runs from Boston to Worcester’s Union Station, about a 15-minute walk from the statue (Discover Central MA).
- Parking Street parking and public garages are nearby; availability can be limited during peak hours.
Tips
- Spring to fall offers pleasant weather for visiting the Boston statue and coincides with events on the Esplanade.
- Late spring and early fall are suggested for visiting the Worcester statue, with mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Worcester’s statue is accessible at all hours, though daylight visits are recommended.
- Many walking and heritage tours in Boston and Worcester include these monuments; check with local tour providers or visitor centers.
- Photography is encouraged at both sites.
- Digital resources or the Audiala app offer audio guides, interactive maps, and up-to-date information on events and tours.
Nearby Places
Boston
- Hatch Shell Venue for outdoor concerts and festivals.
- Boston Public Garden Known for its scenic beauty and public art.
- Boston Common Home to other significant memorials and monuments.
- Massachusetts State House The statue’s original location and a site in Boston’s historic core.
Worcester
- Worcester Art Museum An art collection within walking distance.
- Mechanics Hall and Hanover Theatre Historic venues for music and performing arts.
- Worcester Historical Museum Exhibits on local and regional history.
- Elm Park and Green Hill Park Arboretum Green spaces for relaxation and exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tickets or reservations required to visit either statue?
No. Both are outdoor public monuments, accessible free of charge.
What are the visiting hours?
The Boston Esplanade is open from dawn to dusk. The Worcester statue is accessible at all hours, though daylight visits are recommended.
Are the statues wheelchair accessible?
Both sites are accessible. Some pavement in Worcester may be uneven; contact the visitor center for details.
Are guided tours available?
Many walking and heritage tours in Boston and Worcester include the monuments. Check with local tour providers or visitor centers.
Can I take photos?
Yes. Photography is encouraged at both sites.
What is the best way to reach the statues using public transportation?
In Boston, take the MBTA Green Line to Science Park or Charles/MGH. In Worcester, take the MBTA Commuter Rail to Union Station, then walk or use WRTA buses.
