Robert Emmet (1778-1803) was an Irish revolutionary who "wished to procure for [his] country the same guarantee which Washington obtained for America." He was captured by the British in 1803 and brought to trial. He is depicted here standing in the dock, delivering his defense at the trial at which he was sentenced to death by hanging.

The statue is on loan from the Smithsonian Museum and was moved from storage to this location in 1966 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Irish independence.