A statue of Pierre L’Enfant, who led the design layout of Washington, D.C., was unveiled Monday at the U.S. Capitol and cited by D.C. leaders as another important step in the District’s efforts to become the nation’s newest state. The nation’s 50 states have all donated statues of two historical figures to the Capitol, for its Statuary Hall collection. But until now, the District of Columbia hasn’t had two statues in the iconic building. D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, who was joined by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others, noted that her fight to get two statues accepted in the Capitol began more than two decades ago. “The unveiling of this statue is a milestone in our ongoing march to make the District of Columbia the 51st state,” Norton said. The first statue donated by D.C. was of renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass, in 2013.

House Speaker Pelosi joins DC Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton in unveiling DC’s second statue at the Capitol of Pierre L’Enfant. pic.twitter.com/k6t5tU1BOz

— Mitchell Miller (@mmillerwtop) February 28, 2022

Supporters of statehood say it’s important that D.C. be treated like other states. D.C. Mayor Bowser, who was among those who attended the ceremony, said the efforts can’t stop. “We will keep pushing, inspired by those who have shaped our history,” Bowser said.