Statue of Edmund Kirby Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edmund Kirby Smith |
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The statue in the National Statuary Hall Collection
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| Artist | C. Adrian Pillars |
| Medium | Bronze sculpture |
| Subject | Edmund Kirby Smith |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
The Edmund Kirby Smith statue is a bronze sculpture. It honors Edmund Kirby Smith, a United States Army officer. The artist who created it was C. Adrian Pillars. This statue is located in the United States Capitol Visitor Center. It is part of the National Statuary Hall Collection. The state of Florida gave this statue in 1922.
Smith passed away in 1893. He was the last surviving full General from either side of the American Civil War. After he died, his family changed their name to Kirby-Smith. This helped people tell him apart from other generals named Smith.
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Who Was Edmund Kirby Smith?
Edmund Kirby Smith was an important figure in American history. He was a general during the American Civil War. He served as an officer in the United States Army. Later, he became a general for the Confederate States.
Praised for His Character
At the statue's unveiling, a politician named William J. Sears spoke. He read a statement from the Confederate Congress. This statement praised Kirby Smith's good qualities. It mentioned his fairness and strong leadership. It also noted his honesty and respect for the law. People liked his kindness and how he protected their rights.
Statue's Future and Replacement
In 2018, Governor Rick Scott signed a new law. This law decided to replace the statue. The new statue will honor Mary McLeod Bethune. She was an African-American educator and civil rights activist. As of August 2020, the Kirby Smith statue was still in the Capitol. It will stay there until the new statue of Bethune is ready.
Where Will the Statue Go?
What will happen to the Kirby Smith statue after it is moved? This has been a big question. As of August 2020, no final decision had been made. His birthplace, St. Augustine, does not want the statue.
There was a plan to move it to the Lake County Historical Museum. This museum is in Tavares, Florida. However, many people in Lake County did not want it there. Smith never lived in Lake County. When he was born, Lake County was part of St. Johns County. St. Augustine is the main city in St. Johns County. In July 2020, Lake County officials voted against taking the statue.
