"By act of Congress, approved May 22, 1908, the 
colossal marble statue of Washington by Horatio Greenough, 
completed in 1840 and since 1875 occupying a position in 
front of the main steps of the Capitol, was transferred 
to the custody of the Smithsonian Institution. It is 
intended to place this work in the Smithsonian building 
until a more fitting location for it shall be found, 
probably in connection with the National Gallery of Art. 
The statue has been greatly injured by its long exposure 
in the open air, but its preservation has been urged by 
artists qualified to pass upon its merits." 
(Report of National Museum, 1908, page 21) 
