Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Eagle Statue
Rescuing a Rare Bird
Despite vast public outcry, New York's iconic Pennsylvania Station was demolished in 1963 after years of financial struggle. The station's demise set off a chain of events that led to the creation of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Among the railroad station's most striking elements were 22 stone eagles, many of which disappeared during demolition. Smithsonian Secretary Dillon Ripley encouraged the Pennsylvania Central Railroad to donate one of the statues to the National Zoo; this eagle arrived here in 1965. The whereabouts of many of the other eagles remain unknown.
If the eagle looks familiar, perhaps it's because the designer, Adolph Weinman, also carved the Walking Liberty Half Dollarwhich features a similar eagle on its reverse. The Zoo's eagle is made of Tennessee Pink marble.
Erected by Smithsonian National Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1963.
Location. 38° 55.797′ N, 77° 3.102′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Column Capital (within shouting distance of this marker); Ross's Goose (within shouting distance of this marker); 50 Years of Giant Panda Conservation Success (within shouting distance of this marker); Whooping Crane (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Working for Whoopers (about 300 feet away); Giant Pandas (about 300 feet away); Wang Dajun (about 300 feet away); Back in Business (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
