Dublin Core
Title
Norfolk Confederate Monument, Norfolk, VA
Description
Norfolk, Virginia, emerged as a crucial port city with strategic significance during the American Civil War, providing substantial support to the Confederate cause. Situated at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Elizabeth River, Norfolk's geographic location made it a key maritime gateway for the transportation of men, supplies, and armaments. The city housed a formidable naval yard, including the Gosport Navy Yard, which played a pivotal role in the Confederate war effort. The shipbuilding and repair capabilities of Norfolk allowed the Confederacy to maintain and construct a fleet, contributing significantly to its naval strength and recognition as a political and cultural force. The strategic importance of Norfolk as a Confederate port city underscored the city's resilience and its substantial contribution to the Confederate war effort during this tumultuous period in American history.
Erected in 1907 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Confederate monument in Norfolk, Virginia, became a focal point of controversy in the 21st century. Boasting the inscription "Our Confederate Dead, 1861–1865," the letters "CSA," and a Confederate battle flag, the monument featured a statue known as "Johnny Reb." The confederate monument was removed once before in 1965 amid the Civil Rights Movement and was subsequently reinstalled in 1971, displaying another time of evolving societal perspectives prompting increased calls for the removal of confederate monuments. However, the process faced legal constraints. A law dating back to 1904 prohibited counties from relocating war memorials, and a 1997 update expanded this restriction to include cities.
On June 11, 2020, despite legislative changes permitting cities and counties in Virginia to remove such memorials without state permission, Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander expedited the removal of the "Johnny Reb" statue, citing public interest. Although the law wouldn't take effect until July 1, 2020, the mayor prioritized community sentiments.
The fate of the monument now rested with Elmwood Cemetery, specifically at the grave site of Walter Taylor, an aide to General Robert E. Lee who chaired the effort to erect the monument for the Lost Cause. The Virginia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans expressed openness to relocating the statue to Elmwood Cemetery, among the graves of Confederate soldiers, while emphasizing its commemorative intent. This stance contrasted with the view of the SCV, which asserted the monument's purpose was to honor fallen soldiers rather than to endorse racism. The removal of the Confederate statue marked a significant chapter in Norfolk's ongoing reevaluation of historical symbols.
Erected in 1907 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Confederate monument in Norfolk, Virginia, became a focal point of controversy in the 21st century. Boasting the inscription "Our Confederate Dead, 1861–1865," the letters "CSA," and a Confederate battle flag, the monument featured a statue known as "Johnny Reb." The confederate monument was removed once before in 1965 amid the Civil Rights Movement and was subsequently reinstalled in 1971, displaying another time of evolving societal perspectives prompting increased calls for the removal of confederate monuments. However, the process faced legal constraints. A law dating back to 1904 prohibited counties from relocating war memorials, and a 1997 update expanded this restriction to include cities.
On June 11, 2020, despite legislative changes permitting cities and counties in Virginia to remove such memorials without state permission, Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander expedited the removal of the "Johnny Reb" statue, citing public interest. Although the law wouldn't take effect until July 1, 2020, the mayor prioritized community sentiments.
The fate of the monument now rested with Elmwood Cemetery, specifically at the grave site of Walter Taylor, an aide to General Robert E. Lee who chaired the effort to erect the monument for the Lost Cause. The Virginia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans expressed openness to relocating the statue to Elmwood Cemetery, among the graves of Confederate soldiers, while emphasizing its commemorative intent. This stance contrasted with the view of the SCV, which asserted the monument's purpose was to honor fallen soldiers rather than to endorse racism. The removal of the Confederate statue marked a significant chapter in Norfolk's ongoing reevaluation of historical symbols.
Creator
William Couper
Source
[1] https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/mycity/norfolk/mayor-norfolk-confederate-monument-to-come-down/291-d3fde5e3-bdf5-46c5-9b3c-68327f5a2e71
[2] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/norfolk/sons-of-confederate-veterans-praises-norfolks-handling-of-monument-relocation/
[3] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/10/23/norfolk-virginia-ok-move-confederate-monument-cemetery/2452814001/
[4] https://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?&profile=ariall&source=~!siartinventories&uri=full=3100001~!27528~!0#focus
[5] https://www.wtkr.com/news/city-to-remove-time-capsule-from-downtown-norfolk-confederate-monument-site
[2] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/norfolk/sons-of-confederate-veterans-praises-norfolks-handling-of-monument-relocation/
[3] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/10/23/norfolk-virginia-ok-move-confederate-monument-cemetery/2452814001/
[4] https://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?&profile=ariall&source=~!siartinventories&uri=full=3100001~!27528~!0#focus
[5] https://www.wtkr.com/news/city-to-remove-time-capsule-from-downtown-norfolk-confederate-monument-site
Date
May 16, 1907
Contributor
Angelica Smith
Language
English
Type
Sculpture
Identifier
HIST 402A Fall 2023
Coverage
Norfolk, Virginia