Confederate Monument in Harrodsburg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Confederate Monument in Harrodsburg
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| Location | Harrodsburg, Kentucky |
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| Built | 1902 |
| MPS | Civil War Monuments of Kentucky MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000677 |
| Added to NRHP | July 17, 1997 |
The Confederate Monument in Harrodsburg is a special statue. It stands at the entrance of Spring Hill Cemetery in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. This monument is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site.
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The Harrodsburg Confederate Monument
This monument shows a life-sized statue. It depicts an older cavalryman from the Confederate army. He looks ready for action. The statue is believed to show Captain Gabe S. Alexander. He served in John Hunt Morgan's 2nd Kentucky Cavalry.
What the Monument Shows
The base of the monument has special carvings. On the front, you can see the Southern Cross of Saint Andrew. This is often called the Confederate battle flag. Below this cross is a dedication plaque. Below the plaque, there is a carved wreath. It circles a sword and its scabbard (the case for a sword).
On the back of the monument, there is another carving. It shows the Third Confederate Flag. This flag is surrounded by images of cannonballs and battle smoke. Also on the back, there is a verse from a poem. The poem is called Bivouac of the Dead. It was written by a Kentuckian named Theodore O'Hara. Six other monuments in Kentucky also have a verse from this poem.
The verse on the monument says:
- To fight in a just cause and for our country's glory is the best office of the best men.
The monument was dedicated in 1902. The United Confederate Veterans group held the ceremony. Speeches were given to honor the soldiers.
Harrodsburg During the Civil War
Harrodsburg saw some action during the American Civil War. At one point, John Hunt Morgan's forces entered the town. Instead of fighting, the town's ladies prepared a huge picnic. They laid it out on their lawns for the soldiers. These soldiers had just raided through Glasgow, Lebanon, and Springfield.
The only other major event in Harrodsburg during the war was a troop withdrawal. General Braxton Bragg led his men through the town. They were leaving after the Battle of Perryville. Harrodsburg was also home to the 19th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. This group of soldiers fought for the Union Army.
Honoring History: The Monument's Listing
On July 17, 1997, the Confederate Monument in Harrodsburg was recognized as a historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This was part of a larger effort to list many Civil War monuments in Kentucky.
The monument was one of sixty different monuments related to the Civil War in Kentucky to be listed. Harrodsburg's monument is one of 23 statues that were listed. Eight of these statues are located in cemeteries. The Beriah Magoffin Monument is also in Spring Hill Cemetery. It is also part of this group of listed Civil War monuments.
