John Gadsby Chapman's Painting 'Baptism Of Pocahontas'

John Gadsby Chapman was the creator of the painting Baptism of Pocahontas in 1839. Chapman was commissioned in 1937 to create the painting. The painting was hung in 1840 in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capital.1 The painting shows a time when America was in a struggle trying to decide what to do with the Indians. During this time, Indians were encouraged to accept Christianity and other European ways but their rights mattered little to the champions of westward expansion.2 Many did not want to accept these ways while others showed an interest in the unknown culture. This is shown in the painting by the disgust shown by many of the Native Americans in the painting by turning their backs, while others looked on with interest or curiosity. Pocahontas

Lee was born on January 19, 1807 in Virginia. His family was from Stratford, Virginia, but later moved to Alexandria, Virginia. Robert E. Lee serve the state of Virginia with a great dedication and devotion.1 He was a tactful and smart leader who graduated second in his class at the military academy. Lee gained the confidence of his troops and the respect from Confederate leaders during his many years of service in the military. Lee resigned from the U.S. Army for a short period until he found out Virginia had succeeded from the union. His loyalty to Virginia caused him to turn down a position offered by the President. It is ironic that Lee originally hoped to leave the war but went on to lead Northern Virginia as a top Commander. Lee’s greatest victory was the Battle of Chancellorsville. He is an appropriate choice of a statue to represent the state of Virginia because of his love and dedication for the state. After the war was over Lee became President of Washington College, which is now known as Washington-Lee College located in Lexington Virginia. He served in this capacity from September 1865 until his death on October 12,

Washington wanted a free Democratic society. As the first president of the United States and a Virginia native, Washington is very deserving to be a statue for the state of Virginia. He is the only president to receive 100% of the electoral votes needed to be elected. He served two terms as president but turned down an opportunity for a third term. During his term, Washington was the first to develop a cabinet of officers, which was much needed at that time. Under the leadership of Washington, the first ten amendments to the Constitution was ratified. Those changes are now known as the Bill of Rights.3 As a forefather, Washington lead a movement for the independence of America. Another accomplishment of Washington was the Bank Act of 1791. This act helped to establish the first known bank of the United States. Washington died on December 14, 1799 and was buried at Mount