In 1913, a monument to the Russian commander Mikhail Barclay de Tolly was erected in Riga, whose ancestors settled in the city in the 17th century. However, in 1915, during the evacuation, the monument disappeared, leaving an empty pedestal in its place. In 2001, at the initiative of Evgeny Gomberg, the monument was restored. In 2002, the Riga City Council allowed it to be temporarily displayed and conducted a survey among residents about its future. The majority supported the idea of restoration, and the monument remained in its place.

In 1911, in honor of the centenary of Russia's liberation from Napoleon's invasion, the Riga City Council decided to erect a monument to the native of Livonia, Field Marshal Mikhail Barclay de Tolly. His family had deep roots in Riga: his great-grandfather came from the Scottish clan Barclay, his grandfather was a successful lawyer, and his cousin August held the position of burgomaster. Barclay's father was also from Riga. Mikhail Bogdanovich himself claimed to have been born in Riga, although historians dispute the exact place of his birth. At the age of six, he was enrolled in the Novotroitsky regiment, and by the beginning of the Turkish campaign, he already held the rank of captain. For his merits in wars, he was awarded and promoted in ranks, and in 1810 he became the Minister of War of Russia, preparing the country for war with France.

In 1812, Barclay de Tolly led the 1st Western Army, acting cautiously and avoiding decisive battles, which caused dissatisfaction. After Kutuzov's appointment, he again took command of the army and became famous in the battles of Borodino, Kulm, and Leipzig. His merits were highly appreciated, and he was awarded the Swedish order and the title of Field Marshal. However, his health deteriorated, and in 1818 he passed away in East Prussia. His funeral took place in Riga, and later his remains were transferred to Estonia.

The Riga City Council allocated 25,000 rubles for the construction of the monument, and the same amount was raised by the residents. Out of 43 projects, the design by Berlin sculptor V. Vandshneider-Charlottenburg was chosen. The bronze statue, nearly five meters tall, was installed on a granite pedestal with the inscription: "Field Marshal Prince Barclay de Tolly." The solemn laying of the monument took place on September 9, 1912, and the opening on October 13, 1913.

The monument stood for less than two years and was removed in 1915, but its traces were lost. In 2001, Evgeny Gomberg decided to restore the monument, and sculptor Alexey Murzin recreated the statue based on the preserved model. The opening of the updated monument took place on July 1, 2002. Under the pedestal, a capsule with a message from the residents of Riga to future generations, dated October 13, 1913, is stored, expressing gratitude to the heroes of the war.