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Why Robert E. Lee Was Opposed To Civil War Monuments
The Confederate General has been frequently memorialized with statues and monuments, but in actuality was strongly against such measures
In the aftermath of the American Civil War, people around the United States grappled with how to deal with and remember the incredible sacrifices made during the conflict in terms of life and resources. One tangible way that was widely embraced was the erection of myriad monuments commemorating people, places and events that played significant roles. Although Confederate General Robert E. Lee was one of the most frequent subjects of these statues, he was actually stronly against such displays of memory.
In modern day society, Civil War monuments have largely become controversial and reviled, particularly those representing symbols of the ongoing cultural and racial struggles in the United States; with Lee monuments being a primary example. The question of whether to remove or preserve these monuments has led to heated debates, with strong opinions emerging on both sides. This controversy reached a boiling point in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017 when plans to permanently remove a Lee monument led to protests and tragic violence — making worldwide headlines.
