Despite taking five years to graduate West Point and an undistinguished career until the beginning of the Civil War, Sheridan's first combat command led him to win the critical Battle of Chattanooga in 1863. Grant put him in charge of cavalry for the Army of the Potomac in 1864 and he led the raid on Richmond that ended in the death of Confederate general Jeb Stuart. He became commander of the Army of the Potomac in 1864. In this capacity he led the army to battle at Appomattox and, with Grant, compelled Gen. Robert E. Lee to surrender, ending the Civil War.

In 1884, he succeeded Sherman as commander in chief of the Army.

This statue is considered one of the most dramatic in DC and was designed by Borglum, who is more famous for conceiving of and executing the presidential memorials at Mount Rushmore.

The horse is Rienzi, later renamed Winchester in honor of Sheridan's victory in Virginia against the Confederate Army. Rienzi is stuffed and on display at the American History Museum.