The River of Blood (monument) facts for kids

The River of Blood is the name of a monument found on a golf course in Lowes Island, Virginia. This golf course is owned by Donald Trump. A plaque on the monument, signed by Mr. Trump, claims that this spot was a major battle site during the American Civil War. It says many soldiers died there, and the river turned red from blood. However, historians say no major battle with many deaths ever happened at this exact location.

About the Monument

This monument is located on one of the two golf courses at the Trump National Golf Club. The club is on Lowes Island. Donald Trump bought this golf club in 2009.

On the golf course, between the 14th hole and the 15th tee, there is a stone stand with a flagpole. A special plaque is placed on this stand.

What the Plaque Says

The plaque has a message that reads:

Many great American soldiers, both of the North and South, died at this spot, "The Rapids", on the Potomac River. The casualties were so great that the water would turn red and thus became known as "The River of Blood".

The plaque also shows Donald Trump's name and the symbol of his company, The Trump Organization. It adds, "It is my great honor to have preserved this important section of the Potomac River!"

Is the Story True?

Historians and experts say that the events described on the plaque never actually happened at this specific spot.

What Historians Say

• A local historian named Craig Swain mentioned that the only Civil War event on the island was when two soldiers were killed by citizens in 1861.
• In 1863, a Confederate General named J.E.B. Stuart led about 4,500 soldiers across the Potomac River near Lowes Island. This was part of their journey to the Battle of Gettysburg. But no soldiers died during this crossing.
• Experts from the Mosby Heritage Area Association say the only major Civil War battle nearby was the Battle of Ball's Bluff, which was about 11 miles away.
• Other historians who spoke to The New York Times also agreed that the plaque's story is not true. Some even told the Trump Organization about the mistake.

Donald Trump's View

Donald Trump disagreed with the historians. He said:

That was a prime site for river crossings. So, if people are crossing the river, and you happen to be in a civil war, I would say that people were shot — a lot of them. "How would they know that?" Mr. Trump asked when told that local historians had called his plaque a fiction. "Were they there?"

He first said that "numerous historians" told him the "River of Blood" story. Later, he changed his statement to say that historians had spoken to "my people." Finally, he said, "Write your story the way you want to write it. It doesn't make any difference. But many people were shot. It makes sense."