Joan of Arc in America

A Multidimensional Figure Through American History

Though often seen as a French figure, Joan of Arc's legacy in America, now largely forgotten, still endures in the countless monuments, artwork, and cultural symbology that still influence the American cultural canon. As a soldier, a saint, a woman, a liberator, and more, Joan's ability to be a vessel for countless ideals held by Americans secured her a lasting place in American memory.

Joan's presence in the American cultural canon has risen and fallen throughout American history, notably with her Golden Age being during the late 19th and early 20th century. Prior to this, she was still known in the United States, but a rise in America's Francophilia increased her popularity in the United States. Her decline came soon after the end of the First World War. Although she did have some notable cultural impacts past her Golden Age, the vast majority of her cultural dominance was distinctly in the Gilded Age until after the First War World.

American Iconography

There are seven publicly displayed statues of Joan of Arc in the United States of America, most of which are equestrian statues. The map below displays the exact location and story of each one of these public monuments. Each statue has its own story and significance to its local community and reflects the many ways Americans have embraced Joan of Arc as an icon.

You can explore the map and the various American statues Below:

Joan of Arc Statues

Joan in Her Golden Age

JOAN IN D.C.

Standing in Meridian Hill Park in northwestern D.C., this bronze equestrian statue of Joan sits in the heart of the American Capitol. Erected in 1922 at the height of Franco- American relations in the 20th century, this statue was meant to symbolize the shared ideals and struggles between the United States and France. Joan was a peasant girl who resisted the English during the Hundred Years’ War, a martyr who achieved incredible victories despite all odds. Many in the United States saw reflected in her their own nation’s history of struggles against the British, facing seemingly impossible odds. The adoption of Joan as a symbol of freedom from oppression was popularized by the feminist movement, who saw her in a similar light–as a figure to whom they could relate and who shared their struggles against an institution of oppression. Joan fought against the church, arguing she should be able to do God’s will how she believed she was called to. Early 20th century women fought against the government for the right to have their voices heard. In Joan, they saw a sister in arms, and saw themselves and their movement represented in her.

Courtesy of the National Park Service

Lesson plan resource for public school teachers.

JOA in America Lesson Plan July 2025.pdf

This project was authored by Santiago Arce, John Maggio, and Charlie Ross.

Please use the following citation:

Arce, Santiago, John Maggio, and Charlie Ross. "Joan of Arc in America." On Medieval DC, Jennifer R. Davis and Laura K. Morreale, eds., The Catholic University of America, 2025 [date accessed]. https://sites.google.com/cua.edu/joanofarc?usp=sharing

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