Logan Circle in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
No Braver Man Than John Logan
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 2, 2018
As President Lincoln struggled to preserve the Union, he found an unexpected ally in Congressman John Logan, a young but influential Democrat from Lincoln's own state of Illinois. Logan's district at the southern tip of Illinois bordered the slave states of Kentucky and Missouri; and Logan, like his constituency, held Southern sympathies. But the South's secession left Logan in no doubt as to where his duty lay. Logan saw secession as treason, and he crossed party lines to pledge unwavering support to the President and the Union cause.
For Lincoln, John Logan's passionate commitment to the Union would become a powerful asset, first politically and then on the field of battle. In both roles, Logan would reveal a rare combination of charisma and courage.
Though not a military professional, Logan soon showed superb capabilities as a battlefield commander. In early fighting, Logan's inspirational leadership won the respect of General Ulysses Grant, who would rise to command the full Union army. In a February 1863 dispatch to President Lincoln, using words of praise he employed only rarely, Grant recorded his esteem for Logan. Stressing the Union's need for leaders who could "add weight to our cause...and give renewed confidence to a large number of brave soldiers," Grant wrote:
"Conspicuous...is Brig. Gen. J.A. Logan. He has proven himself a most valuable officer and worthy of every confidence... There is not a more patriotic soldier, braver man, or one more deserving of promotion."
In July 1863, Grant's confidence in Logan was vindicated as Union forces captured Vicksburg, the South's stronghold on the Mississippi River. For leadership and courage in this conquest, which split the Confederacy and became a turning point in the war, Logan won the Union army's supreme award, a Medal of Honor. By then, Logan had gained heroic stature among the men he led.
In the year ahead Logan remained in the fore as Union troops waged a grueling campaign across the South. But by July 1864, as the war entered its fortieth month, its slow progress and heavy toll had weakened public support for the Union
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 2, 2018
John Logan's service as politician and soldier in the war to save the Union places him in the pantheon of America's greatest patriots. Later, Logan built on this legacy as a Republican Senator. Elected three times, he advocated for the needs of the many thousands of veterans he had helped to lead and became a champion of millions of new American citizens he had helped emancipate.
Erected by John Ritch, founder of John Logan House.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant series lists.
Location. 38° 54.584′ N, 77° 1.84′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Logan Circle. Marker is at the intersection of P Street Northwest and Logan Circle Northwest, on the left when traveling east on P Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 Logan Circle Northwest, Washington DC 20005, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. When Logan Rode The Battle Line (here, next to this marker); John Logan House (here, next to this marker); Logan Circle (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named John Logan House (a few steps from this marker); 6 Logan (within shouting distance of this marker); Belford V. Lawson and Marjorie M. Lawson Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Pratt House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Logan Circle (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 482 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2020, by John Ritch of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on December 20, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.