Question: what statue is on top of the white house

title: Statue of Freedom
text: The Statue of Freedom is a colossal bronze standing figure 19 ⁄ feet ( 5.9 m ) tall and weighing approximately 15,000 pounds ( 6,800 kg ) . Her crest peaks at 288 feet ( 88 m ) above the east front plaza of the U.S. Capitol . She is a female , allegorical figure whose right hand holds the hilt of a sheathed sword , while a laurel wreath of victory and the Shield of the United States are clasped in her left hand . Her chiton is secured by a brooch inscribed `` U.S. '' and is partially covered by a heavy , Native American -- style fringed blanket thrown over her left shoulder . She faces east towards the main entrance of the building and the rising Sun . She wears a military helmet adorned with stars and an eagle 's head which is itself crowned by an umbrella - like crest of feathers . Although not actually called `` Columbia '' , she shares many of her iconic characteristics . Freedom stands atop a cast - iron globe encircled with one of the national mottoes , E pluribus unum . The lower part of the base is decorated with fasces and wreaths . Ten bronze points tipped with platinum are attached to her headdress , shoulders , and shield for protection from lightning .