North Downtown in Charlottesville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Charlottesville
Confederate Heroes Remembered
The statue of a Confederate common soldier in front of the Albemarle County Courthouse was erected in 1909. Dedicated in a huge public ceremony, it illustrates the desire across the South to memorialize those who fought for the Confederate cause. Money for the statue came from public appropriations and from citizens' gifts rather than from one donor. The statue itself was created by a Chicago supplier of such figures for many localities, South and North.
Charlottesville's location behind the battle lines kept it from significant military action during the Civil War, but the community made a great contribution as the site of major Confederate hospital activity. From the Battle of First Manassas on, wounded soldiers filled many University of Virginia buildings, local structures and private homes. The medical school faculty, students and local citizens helped care for them. Several University and city buildings—called collectively the Charlottesville General Hospital—served as a large permanent hospital throughout the war. By war's end it had treated 21,450 cases; 1100 of those who died are buried in the Confederate Cemetery at the University.
Erected by Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 1.903′ N, 78° 28.844′ W. Marker was in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was in North Downtown. Marker was at the intersection of West Market Street and First Street, on the right when traveling west on West Market Street. Marker is in Emancipation Park (formerly Lee Park), bounded by Market, 1st, 2nd, and Jefferson Streets. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Charlottesville VA 22902, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Swanson v. University of Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker); Catholic Church of the Holy Comforter (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Greater Downtown (about 400 feet away); Together We Grow (about 600 feet away); Nelson Sanitorium (1895-1902) (about 600 feet away); First Baptist Church (about 600 feet away); Paul Goodloe McIntire (about 700 feet away); Gen. Alexander Archer Vandegrift (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlottesville.
Regarding Charlottesville. Lee and Jackson Parks, referenced on the marker, in 2017 were renamed Emancipation and Justice Parks, respectively.
Also see . . . Lee Park. Page from the Charlottesville Park and Grounds website. (Submitted on August 29, 2006.)
Additional commentary.
1. History of Paul Goodloe McIntire
In the wake of conflict over Confederate memorials in Charlottesville in 2017, many institutions have revisited these histories. This permanently removed marker describes an incomplete view of Paul Goodloe McIntire.
For a deeper context on the subject and the marker, see "History of Paul Goodloe McIntire" by the University of Virginia's Department of Art.
— Submitted October 7, 2023, by Sean C Bath of Silver Spring, Maryland.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2006, by Jeremy Prats of Afton, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,351 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 28, 2006, by Jeremy Prats of Afton, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.