Beriah Magoffin Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Magoffin, Beriah, Monument
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| Location | Harrodsburg, Kentucky |
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| Built | 1900 |
| Architect | American White Bronze |
| MPS | Civil War Monuments of Kentucky MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000676 |
| Added to NRHP | July 17, 1997 |
The Beriah Magoffin Monument is a special memorial in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. It honors Beriah Magoffin, who was the governor of Kentucky when the Civil War began. Governor Magoffin wanted Kentucky to stay neutral, meaning it wouldn't pick a side. However, as the war continued, he eventually had to step down from his role.
The Monument's Story
This monument was put up around 1900. This was many years after Governor Magoffin passed away in 1885. The monument is made of cast zinc, a type of metal. Many monuments from that time honored people from the Civil War.
What makes this monument special is how Governor Magoffin is shown. His statue wears a toga, which is a long robe worn in ancient Rome. This style makes him look like a heroic Roman leader. It's similar to how George Washington was sometimes shown in art.
Magoffin's Own Words
Two important quotes from Governor Magoffin are carved on the monument. They help us understand his thoughts about Kentucky's role in the war:
- "What attitude shall Kentucky occupy in the deplorable conflict looking to the constitution of the United States, the nature of our institutions and the causes of the war, I think Kentucky has a right to assume a neutral position."
- This means he believed Kentucky should stay neutral. He thought it was the right thing to do based on the country's rules.
- "While opposed to the policy of the government and the measures used to preserve the constitution, we would not exchange the government of our fathers for any experiment on earth."
- This shows that even if he disagreed with some government actions, he still deeply valued the United States. He didn't want to change the country his ancestors built.
The monument stands in Spring Hill Cemetery. This cemetery was first started in 1860.
A National Treasure
On July 17, 1997, the Beriah Magoffin Monument became part of the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important historical sites in the United States. It was one of sixty monuments in Kentucky related to the Civil War to be added.
This monument is also special because it's a tombstone. It's one of nine such monuments on the list. Another important monument, the Confederate Monument in Harrodsburg, is also in the same cemetery.
