![]() Embassy of Mexico, US ![]() NPS/RMendoza Mexican President Benito Juárez’s statue stands approximately 19 feet tall and weighs about 3,600 pounds. It was sculpted by Luis Sosa Villasenor and Luis Ortiz Macedo. The statue is a replica of French-Italian sculptor Enrique Alciati’s 1891 work of art found in Juárez’s hometown, Oaxaca City, Mexico. On the outside of the base is an inscription of Juárez’s famous quote in both English and Spanish: Mexico gifted the commanding statue of Benito Juárez to the U.S. on January 7, 1969 after the U.S. gifted Mexico a statue of Abraham Lincoln in 1966, a belated gift to commemorate Mexico’s sesquicentennial. Both U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Mexican Foreign Minister Antonio Carrillo Flores spoke at the event. Rusk said: An exchange of gifts not only strengthened ties between the U.S. and Mexico but serves as a moment to remember their most revered presidents who shared similar hopes for their countries. ![]() Library of Congress Born in a small village, San Pablo Guelatao, in the state of Oaxaca and orphaned before the age of 4. He spoke mostly Zapotec until learn Spanish at age 12. He finally finished his high school training in 1827 and received his law degree in 1834. ![]() Lincoln - White House Historical Association. Juarez - Eduardo Báez, La Pintura Militar de México Ultimately, Lincoln and Juárez were both reformers and leaders who successfully preserved their nations during challenging times. Today, the Benito Juárez statue not only recognizes the United States’ southern neighbor and their historic liberator, but it represents a moment of mighty leadership that transcended borders. |
Last updated: September 16, 2022