The Jefferson Davis Monument - Knock it down, or do something else?

[TexasTowelie]

The Jefferson Davis Monument in Fairview, Kentucky (photo by Bartleby92, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

In western Kentucky stands the tallest unreinforced concrete structure in the world, built as a tribute to a traitor. What should we do about it?


In the Western Kentucky town of Fairview stands a majestic pyramid-topped obelisk, constructed on a foundation of solid Kentucky limestone and reaching 351 feet above the ground. It is the fifth-tallest such structure in the United States, and the tallest unreinforced concrete structure in the world.

It is also a monument that pays tribute to a traitor who turned his back on his nation and participated in the death of 620,000 of his countrymen in our nation’s bloodiest conflict.

We’re talking, of course, about Jefferson Davis, the Kentucky-born President of the Confederate States of America.

When I was a student at Western Kentucky University, I took odd pride as I drove past the towering structure on U.S. 68 through Fairview and on to Bowling Green, the so-called Confederate Capital of Kentucky. As a young white man, I viewed the monument as a historical piece of work that brought some attention to Kentucky as the birthplace of Davis. I never paused to think how Black people might feel at seeing such an ostentatious memorial built on the birth site of a man who sought to keep their great-great-grandfather enslaved. To me, at that time, it all seemed like ancient history — blood under the bridge.

Read more: https://forwardky.com/the-jefferson-davis-monument-knock-it-down-or-do-something-else/

[EYESORE 9001]

1. I have given a good deal of thought to this monument

Like the author, I don’t advocate demolishing the obelisk. It could be rededicated to something other than Jefferson Davis.

[Omnipresent]

2. Isn't that the building Jefferson Davis used to change into a dress and flee as a woman...

From Union troops?

[TreasonousBastard]

3. First I heard about this thing. I tend to agree that rather than destroy it, turn it...

into something educational.

Kentucky had a strange history with the Confederacy, being closer in economics and politics to the North than to the South. In fact, the common vote was to stay with the Union, although a shadow rebel government was set up by the Confederacy, which refused to admit Kentucky gave it the finger.

This would be a perfect place to explain the complexities of just what was going on back then.

[gordianot]

4. Knock it over, leave it where it falls.

Then rededicate it as a monument to the fall of the Confederacy.

[cbabe]

6. Yes.

Leaving it up and rededicated will still be a sickening reminder.

Knock it down. Use to make a playground climber. Or skatepark. Or native plants and wildflower garden.

Make a celebration of life.

[rownesheck]

8. Yes. And once it falls,

repurpose it as a public toilet. Maybe carve the toilets and urinals to look like confederate generals.

[Chainfire]

5. It appears that the property is owned by the Sons of Confederate Veterans although the grounds are

maintained by the state.

[cbabe]

7. Eminent domain seizure.