Confederate Obelisk facts for kids
Confederate Obelisk (2020)
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 Location in Atlanta
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Coordinates | 33°44′53″N 84°22′19″W / 33.74802°N 84.37207°W |
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| Location | Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Type | Obelisk |
| Material | Granite |
| Height | 65 feet (20 m) |
| Beginning date | October 15, 1870 |
| Dedicated to | Confederate war dead |
The Confederate Obelisk is a tall stone monument in Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. An obelisk is a tall, narrow, four-sided pillar that gets smaller towards the top. This monument honors soldiers who fought for the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. It was officially dedicated in 1874.
Contents
History of the Obelisk
Building the Monument
Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta is a very old and large cemetery. More than 6,900 Confederate soldiers are buried there. Many of these soldiers died during the Atlanta campaign of the American Civil War.
The Atlanta Ladies' Memorial Association (ALMA) decided to build this monument. They also later helped create another monument in the cemetery called the Lion of the Confederacy.
The first stone for the obelisk was placed on October 15, 1870. This was the same day as the funeral for Robert E. Lee, a famous Confederate general. John Brown Gordon, another Confederate general who later became the Governor of Georgia, spoke at the event.
Inside the first stone, the ALMA placed several items. These included a picture of Robert E. Lee and an 1862 Confederate flag. They also put in Confederate money, stamps, a bullet, two gloves, and a list of the ALMA members.
The monument cost $8,000 to build. The granite stone was given by the Stone Mountain Granite Company. A local merchant designed and gave the marble tablets.
Dedication Ceremony
The Confederate Obelisk was officially dedicated on April 26, 1874. This day was Confederate Memorial Day. In 1939, librarian Ruth Blair said this was Atlanta's first monument.
When it was dedicated, the 65-foot (20 m) tall obelisk was the tallest structure in Atlanta. It held this record for several years. The dedication ceremony started at noon. Many former Confederate officials spoke, and Confederate veterans attended. There was also a parade and other celebrations.
For many years, the monument was a main spot for annual Confederate Memorial Day events. Today, it is still the tallest structure in Oakland Cemetery.
What the Obelisk Looks Like
The Confederate Obelisk is a large monument made of granite. It has marble tablets attached near its base. An important message is carved into the obelisk. It reads: "OUR CONFEDERATE DEAD."
