The Confederate Memorial Carving is a colossal bas-relief sculpture on Stone Mountain, near Atlanta, Georgia. It depicts three Confederate leaders of the Civil War: President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee, and General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. The carving, which measures 190 feet across and 90 feet tall, is the largest high relief sculpture in the world. It’s a controversial symbol, often stirring debate about its commemoration of the Confederacy and its place in modern society.
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Historical Background of the Confederate Memorial Carving
The Confederate Memorial Carving has its roots in the early 20th century. The United Daughters of the Confederacy first proposed a memorial in 1914. However, it wasn’t until 1923 that the project gained momentum when the Stone Mountain Confederate Monumental Association was formed. The original designer, Gutzon Borglum, who later sculpted Mount Rushmore, began work in 1925 but left the project due to disputes. Augustus Lukeman continued the work until funding ran out in 1928, leaving the carving incomplete for several decades.
In 1958, the state of Georgia purchased Stone Mountain and the surrounding land, creating the Stone Mountain Memorial Association. The project resumed in 1964, with Walter Kirkland Hancock taking over as the sculptor. Hancock, along with his assistants, used thermo-jet torches to carve the figures into the mountain’s north face. The carving was finally completed and dedicated in 1970, amidst the civil rights movement, which led to its association with racial tensions and the struggle for civil rights in the South.
The site has not only been a canvas for the carving but also a place of historical significance. The Ku Klux Klan held meetings on the mountain in the early 20th century, and the area was the site of a significant rebirth of the organization in 1915. This dark chapter contributes to the complex legacy of the carving and the mountain itself.
Despite its controversial history, the carving has become a tourist attraction and is part of the Stone Mountain Park, which includes other attractions and natural features. The park draws visitors from around the world, many of whom come to see the massive sculpture and learn about its history and the figures it represents.
Today, the Confederate Memorial Carving stands as a testament to the complex and often painful history of the American South. It remains a subject of debate, with some viewing it as a heritage symbol and others as a glorification of a racist past. The carving’s future continues to be a point of contention in discussions about historical memory and the landscape of public monuments.
About the Confederate Memorial Carving
The Confederate Memorial Carving is an imposing work of art chiseled into the granite face of Stone Mountain. The figures of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson are mounted on their favorite horses, Blackjack, Traveller, and Little Sorrel, respectively. The carving spans an area larger than a football field and towers as high as a nine-story building, making it a monumental sight to behold.
Construction of the carving required the removal of 450,000 cubic feet of rock. Workers used dynamite, drills, and other tools to shape the massive figures. The detail of the carving is such that the figures’ facial expressions, buttons on their uniforms, and strands of the horses’ manes are visible from the park below.
The methods used to create the carving were groundbreaking at the time. The thermo-jet torch, which can cut through granite, was instrumental in completing the sculpture. This technology allowed for precision and speed, which were crucial in finishing the project after many years of delays.
Architectural highlights of the carving include the intricate details of the figures’ clothing and the horses’ tack. The composition of the carving, with the figures in a line, suggests movement and leadership, fitting for a memorial intended to honor Confederate leaders.
The Confederate Memorial Carving is not only a work of art but also an engineering marvel. Its creation required the collaboration of sculptors, stone carvers, and engineers. The result is a sculpture that has withstood the elements and remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the Confederate legacy.
At a glance
Country: United States
Civilization: American
Age: Created between 1923 – 1970 AD
Conclusion and Sources
Reputable sources used in the creation of this article:
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_Mountain
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