"Memorializing Men of the Lost Cause: Public Opinion of Confederate Monuments in Virginia 1900-Present"
Thomas Jonathan Jackson was one of the leading generals of the Civil War alongside Robert E. Lee. He was shot and killed by one of his own men at the battle of Chancellorsville in May of 1863 and his death was a major blow to the Confederacy.
Paul Goodloe McIntire gifted the city of Charlottesville the land where Jackson Park (now Court Square Park) in 1919 and the statue to Jackson was unveiled to the public three years later. It is seen as one of the leading equestrian statues in the world.
Read newspaper articles HERE about the unveiling of the statue to the public.
Unveiling of Stonewall Jackson Monument October, 1921
University of Virginia Special Collections
The people of Charlottesville held the statue of Stonewall Jackson in the same esteem that it had been held in when it was erected in 1921. When it had been suggested that the statue be moved many in the city voiced their opinions on what should or should not be done with the park and statue.
Read public opinion about the movement of the statue and the changing of the Jackson Park HERE.
Stonewall Jackson Statue, Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Civil War Centennial Report: 1962
Following the events of the Unite the Right Rally the Stonewall Jackson statue as well as the Robert E. Lee statue came under fire by many in the city for glorifying men who fought to maintain slavery. Both statues were covered with black tarps, which were later taken down.
The debate about what to do with these statues continues today. Articles HERE give insight into how people see and understand the statues.