Confederate Memorial (Jacksonville, Florida) facts for kids
The monument in 2015
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| Location | Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
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| Type | Memorial |
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| Dedicated to | Confederate Veterans |
| Dismantled date | June 2020 |
The Confederate Memorial was a large monument once located in Jacksonville, Florida. It was also known as the Confederate Monument or Confederate Soldiers of Florida. This memorial stood in Hemming Park for 122 years. It was taken down in June 2020.
Contents
What the Confederate Memorial Looked Like
This monument was quite tall. It stood about 59 feet (18 meters) high. The main part was about 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide. Its base was about 3 feet (0.9 meters) by 9 feet (2.7 meters).
Statue and Base Details
The monument had a granite shaft. On top was a bronze statue of a young soldier. He wore a cap and coat. His arms rested on a rifle. The base had carvings and panels on all four sides.
One side showed a bust of John Jackson Dickison. Another side featured a bust of Edmund Kirby Smith. One side had an anchor and crossed oars. The opposite side showed a battle scene with soldiers. The whole memorial was placed in a rectangular pool.
Inscription on the Monument
One message carved into the base said:
TO THE SOLDIERS OF FLORIDA / THIS SHAFT IS BY A COMRADE RAISED IN / TESTIMONY OF HIS LOVE, RECALLING DEEDS / IMMORTAL, HEROISM UNSURPASSED. WITH RANKS UNBROKEN, RAGGED, STARVED / AND DECIMATED, THE SOUTHERN SOLDIER, / FOR DUTY'S SAKE, UNDAUNTED STOOD TO / THE FRONT OF BATTLE UNTIL NO LIGHT / REMAINED TO ILLUMINE THE FIELD OF CAR- / NAGE, SAVE THE LUSTRE OF HIS CHIVALRY / AND COURAGE. / "NOR SHALL YOUR GLORY BE FORGOT / WHILE FAME HER RECORD KEEPS, / OR HONOR POINTS THE HALLOWED SPOT / WHERE VALOR PROUDLY SLEEPS / 1861-1865
This inscription honored the soldiers from Florida. It spoke of their bravery and courage during the years 1861-1865. These years refer to the American Civil War.
History of the Memorial
The park where the monument stood was first called St. James Park. In 1899, it was renamed Hemming Park. This was to honor Charles C. Hemming. He was a veteran of the Civil War.
How the Monument Came to Be
Charles C. Hemming was born in Jacksonville. He later became a rich banker in Colorado. He paid for the monument himself. He announced his plan in 1896. He wanted to honor Florida's soldiers from the Confederate side. The monument was finished and dedicated in 1898. It was 62 feet (19 meters) tall. At that time, it was the tallest monument in Jacksonville.
The Dedication Ceremony
Many important people attended the dedication. General Fitzhugh Lee was there. He was the nephew of Robert E. Lee, a famous Confederate general. The grandson of Union General Ulysses S. Grant also watched. Soldiers from both the North and South attended. The speeches focused on bringing the country back together.
Later Recognition
In 1995, the Smithsonian Institution looked at the monument. They included it in their "Save Outdoor Sculpture!" program. This program helps to record and protect outdoor art.
Removal of the Memorial
The Confederate Memorial stood in Hemming Park for 122 years. On June 9, 2020, the monument was taken down.
