From Crossroads to Capital of Confederacy

Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia is an intriguing boulevard. Along both cobblestone and paved roads divided by a wide grass median, it invites persons to walk their dogs as they stroll or run along tree lined sidewalks past stately homes and impressive churches of historic architecture.

But what makes Monument Avenue, monumental is its statues dedicated to Richmond's favorite sons, whether native born or adopted. The majority of the statues commemorate Civil War generals and leaders who dedicated themselves to the Southern cause. Since Richmond was the Capital of the Confederacy, it is the logical place for a statue to Jefferson Davis, president of the short lived Confederacy. Despite its status as former capital during what can still be referred to as The War of Northern Aggression, many of my friends from states in the Deep South consider Virginia to be a "border state". Some of you think I am joking, but there are many of you that know different: since it is not a guarantee that you will automatically be served sweet tea in Richmond restaurants, you really aren't in The South.

The statue of General Lee faces south, which is code for the fact that Lee survived the war. Statues of men that face north were killed in battle or injuries sustained in battle. Since I took pictures from both the east and the west, I'll let you in on what each person's fate was.

Stonewall Jackson died from injuries sustained at Chancellorsville.

J.E.B. Stuart died in Richmond during battle

Maury is credited as being the Navigator of the Seas. He secured sea trade and harbor safety during the war between the states. His statue faces east towards the coast. Despite the fact that there is a statue dedicated to him, I've been told the Sons of the Confederacy do not march as far as his statue on what is known as Lee-Jackson-King Day, celebrated in January. Yes, the King I mention is Martin Luther King, slain Civil Rights leader of the 1960s. The federal holiday on the third Monday in January that is dedicated to MLK across the country is known locally as Lee-Jackson-King Day. Richmond may not be in the Deep South, but it still is the Capital of the Confederacy. But the irony does not end there.....

Just past the Maury statue to the west is the most incredible and inspirational statue dedicated to tennis great Arthur Ashe; a favorite, native son of Richmond. Both ironic and hopeful, Ashe's statue stands as testimony to what is possible, even in a city that celebrates its history as hotbed of the most divisive moment in American history. Ashe's statue was planned but not unveiled till after his death, and he understood the magnitude of its inclusion along an boulevard dedicated to Civil War leaders. He is depicted as inspiring city children to train and exercise both their mind and body. His statue faces west, significantly turning his back on the other statues stretched out behind him. He requested a biblical verse be inscribed in the bast of his statue. It speaks volumes, so I will end with the verse he selected:

Since we are surrounded by
so great a cloud of witnesses
let us lay aside every weight, and
the sin which so easily ensnares us
and let us run with endurance
the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1