Equine History: Figure Carries President James Monroe During a Parade on July 22, 1817

On July 22 of 1817, Figure, the foundation stallion of the Morgan breed, carried President James Monroe through a parade. The bay stallion’s dependability and strength in carrying the president through the parade’s busy atmosphere are just some of the great traits for which the Morgan breed would become known.

Figure was born in West Springfield, Massachusetts in 1789. By True Briton out of Wild Air, Figure was eventually purchased by horseman Justin Morgan. Justin Morgan had bred Wild Air, Figure’s dam. Figure stood about 14 hands high and had excellent conformation. His body was compact and he was incredibly strong.

Despite changing hands, Justin Morgan’s name would follow Figure throughout his life; Figure became known as the Justin Morgan Horse, and his offspring became known simply as Morgans. Fans of Figure were impressed by his incredible endurance, his conformation, his strength, and his versatility. Offered at stud through virtually all of his life, Figure produced horses which closely resembled him. These offspring inherited his strength, endurance, and versatility, creating the foundation of the Morgan breed.

Over the course of his life, Figure performed an incredible range of duties successfully, attesting to the Morgan’s versatility. Figure was a successful racehorse, was used to clear fields, served as a logging horse, and won pulling competitions. This little stallion was pitted against New York racehorses and won. The fact that he could then go and win pulling competitions, while also serving as a working farm horse and a riding mount, was unheard of at that time.

Samuel Stone purchased Figure in 1817, and it was during Stone’s ownership that Figure carried President Monroe in the parade. Samuel Stone then sold Figure to Levi Bean. Figure died in 1821 at 32 years of age and was buried in Vermont.

Sold and traded repeatedly during his life, Figure traveled throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut. His offspring were also located in these states, but as the breed’s popularity grew, breeders concentrated on replicating Figure’s impressive characteristics in future generations and the breed eventually spread through America.

After his death, Figure’s story continued to grow and gain popularity for the breed. Marguerite Henry published her book Justin Morgan Had a Horse in 1945, basing the fictional story around the incredible accomplishments of Figure’s life. The Morgan would go on to become one of the most popular breeds in America, and all Morgans can be traced back to Figure.

To learn more about Figure and the Morgan horse, visit the national Museum of the Morgan Horse’s website.


Image Source: flickr.com/photos/selenas_stock/4085064432
Original Source: http://blog.classic-equine.com/2014/07/equine-history-figure-carries-president-james-monroe-during-a-parade-on-july-22-1817/




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