Civil War Memorialization

The American Civil War is arguably the most important war in United States history. Hundreds of museums, landmarks, and memorials across the country are devoted to remembering the battles and other historical sites of the war, as well as the strong leaders of either side. The important figures of the war are arguably some of the most revered figures in American history, even today. Confederate Generals such as Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson for example are honored not only for their contributions as brilliant southern generals, but also for their devotion as Christian soldiers. Though as times are changing, the general public’s perspective is also changing on how they should be memorialized, causing much controversy. Some contest …show more content…
When speaking about a San Antonio public school named after Robert E. Lee, one critic states that Robert E. Lee no school should bear his name because he “betrayed his country and his oath, and he led the armies that sought to perpetuate slavery in the South” (Rivard). Though this is a true statement, it is known that he did not do so out of malice toward anyone. After turning down Lincoln’s offer to lead the Union armies, he wrote to his sister, saying “With all my devotion to the union and the feelings of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home” (Federer). He did not believe that the union should be held together by force, and therefore decided to side with his home state. Jackson was given a similar situation- he hoped that his home state of Virginia would stay with the Union, but when Virginia seceded from the Union in April of 1861, he remained faithful to his home state and joined the Confederate Army (History.com Staff). Many see this loyalty to their homeland as a positive attribute- that it demonstrates good character and is a good quality of a leader- that they are loyal to their homeland, even if they did not necessarily agree with the all of the issues the Confederacy fought for. Part of the reason they both wished that Virginia would remain in the Union is because they both disliked slavery. Though they were slave owners, many sources cite that they did not agree with its practice. Robert E. Lee addressed slavery as “a moral and political evil in any country” (Brooks). He actually freed the slaves he inherited from his father-in-law a number of years prior to the war (Federer). He advocated for the gradual emancipation of slaves, a belief he shared with many Republicans of the day (Scott). Jackson disagreed with the practice of slavery as well. Though he did own