Civil War Memorial

Has anyone ever stopped to consider the women behind Savannah’s Civil War Memorial? Here in Forsyth Park, this towering monument casts a long shadow, a shadow that stretches back to the women who tirelessly campaigned for its creation. The Civil War Memorial, originally known as the Confederate Monument, stands as a testament to their dedication and a somber reminder of the city’s divided past. The Ladies’ Memorial Association, formed in 1867, took on the responsibility of caring for the Confederate graves in Laurel Grove Cemetery. They envisioned a grand monument, a fitting tribute to the fallen soldiers. Through bake sales and other fundraising events, they amassed nearly $25,000, a staggering sum in those times. Their efforts culminated in the laying of the cornerstone on June 16, 1874, a day marked by a grand festival here in Savannah. The Civil War Memorial’s journey to completion was not without its challenges. The association, determined to avoid any dealings with Northern states, commissioned a Canadian architect, Robert Reid. They sourced sandstone from Nova Scotia and even shipped the finished monument on a British schooner to circumvent Northern ports. Imagine the logistical feat, all orchestrated by these determined women. The original design, featuring allegorical figures of Silence and Judgment, was met with criticism. It was deemed too ornate, not a true representation of the common soldier. But the association, undeterred, persevered. In 1879, thanks to the generosity of George Wymberly Jones De Renne, a new bronze statue of a Confederate soldier, weary but resolute, was hoisted atop the monument, replacing the earlier figures. The Civil War Memorial continued to be a source of debate, particularly in the wake of the Unite the Right rally in 2017. The City of Savannah, grappling with its complex history, formed a task force. The result was a renaming in 2018. The monument, now the Civil War Memorial, was rededicated to all the dead of the American Civil War. A plaque was added, acknowledging its original purpose while striving for a more inclusive remembrance. Even with these changes, the monument’s story continues to evolve, prompting reflection on the enduring legacy of the Civil War and the women who shaped its memory here in Savannah.