I was discussing a Roman victory column with a friend last night that depicted Roman soldiers carrying a giant menorah, the spoils of a war against the Jews.
We then discussed what might go on the equivalent monuments set up by American presidents. Although many of these ideas are post-1900, the tradition would probably need to be set up pre-1900 (possibly during the early days of the Republic, when classicism was much stronger) in order to stick around to the present day.
1. Washington-The suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion
2. Jefferson-The Barbary Pirates. Perhaps some material pertaining to the Louisiana Purchase as well, since this could be construed as a conquest even though it was done without war.
3. Polk-Some scenes from the Mexican War. Perhaps the fall of Mexico City or the hanging of the "San Patricios."
4. Lincoln-Various scenes from the Civil War. Perhaps the moment where he went into Richmond and sat at Jefferson Davis's desk.
5. McKinley-The Battle of Manila Bay
6. FDR-Something from D-Day or the Battle of the Bulge.
7. Lyndon Johnson-Tet. It was a military victory, although a political and propaganda defeat.
8. George H.W. Bush-Lots and lots of surrendering Iraqi soldiers
9. Clinton-The NATO bombing of the Bosnian Serb army and/or the retreat of the Yugoslav army from Kosovo.
10. George W. Bush-The hanging of Saddam Hussein
11. Obama-The sniping of the pirates, perhaps something to do with the current Afghan offensive.