Essay on Monument Controversies

Introduction

Monuments entail structures, buildings, or sites that uphold meaning and value from historical manifestations in society. Monuments are revered in society for ensuring that the public cherishes or relates to specific moments in history that influenced their lives^[1]. While the intent is often positive in society, the situations that led to the enactment of the structures have often caused controversy. Examples of these structures include Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and Stone Mountain in Georgia. Interestingly, both the figurines share the same causes for controversies. The essay will endeavor to clarify the controversies associated with the figurines and recommend long-term solutions.

On the one hand, Mount Rushmore serves the specific purpose of immortalizing historical leaders, including Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. Each of these leaders played a critical role that influenced American history politically^[2]. Hence, their ambition to ensure freedom and justice for the American population is revered. Unfortunately, during its establishment, in Sioux land, native settlers were forcibly evicted. It is this action that causes controversy for the monument^[3]. On the other hand, the stone wall in Georgia aims to pay tribute to President Jefferson Davis, General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, and General Robert E. Lee. The leaders were key players for the confederate government during the civil war. The monument was associated with Ku Klux Klan goals and objectives, which devastated minorities in the US. In 1800, the Supreme Court was brought up to date with the event as they unfolded during the establishment of Mount Rushmore. To solve this injustice against the Sioux people, the Supreme Court offered an amount for the land inclusive of interest over the entire period the land was taken^[4]. The Sioux people turned the offer down. The initial solution for the stone wall in Georgia was to fire the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum. However, Henry Augustus Lukeman, who was later hired, held similar values for the monument and erected it anyway. Certainly, the Supreme Court’s intervention for Mount Rushmore offered the best solution.

Borglum’s “Mount Rushmore” and Freeman’s “Carved in stone: The history of Stone Mountain” offered the greatest insight on controversies regarding the two monuments. However, Freeman’s presentation was more in-depth. He delves into the historical events up to the establishment of the monument^[5]. Both sources adopt an evidence-based presentation; thus, they are reliable.

All along, I never thought such acclaimed monuments had as depressing controversies. I am irked by the action against natives that transpire as acts of patriotism. I have always detested concepts of confederations as they seek to split society on political grounds. Despite their efforts to justify their actions, I am not convinced that their intentions are for most citizens^[6]. I am thankful for the endeavor as I am more informed than I was before. I am, however, concerned about the lack of consensus regarding the statutes. For such memorable structures, it is logical that the government should have enacted a solution by now.

Conclusion

Though historical monuments are revered for the values and awe they induce in society, controversies leading up to their establishment are devastating. Mount Rushmore was built on land illegally acquired from the Sioux people. The intervention by the Supreme Court to offer finances inclusive of interest for the land was rejected. Similarly, Stone Mountain in Georgia was established with enthusiasm for confederation. Furthermore, among the key players in the establishment of the monument was a Ku Klux Klan enthusiast. The attempted intervention against the monument’s establishment turned futile when Henry Augustus Lukeman, as a replacement sculptor, chose to establish the monument anyway.

Bibliography

Borglum, L., & DenDooven, G. R. (1977). Mount Rushmore. KC Publications.

Bryant, J. Filene, B. Nelson, L. Scott, J. and Seriff, S. (2018), Are Museums the Right Home for Confederate Monuments?

Dattel, G. (2017), Convenient & Inconvenient Monuments. The New Criterion.

Freeman, D. B. (1997). Carved in stone: The history of Stone Mountain. Mercer University Press.

Kozlowski, J. C. (2009), GOVERNMENT CONTROLS DONATED PARK MONUMENT MESSAGE

Lena, L. De Urioste-Stone, S. and Holmes, N. (2016), Exploring African American, Latino, and Asian Motivations to Visit a Heritage Site: A Case Study of George Washington Carver National Monument.

[1] Dattel, G. (2017), Convenient & Inconvenient Monuments. The New Criterion.

[2] Borglum, L., & DenDooven, G. R. (1977). Mount Rushmore. KC Publications.

[3] Lena, L. De Urioste-Stone, S. and Holmes, N. (2016), Exploring African American, Latino, and Asian Motivations to Visit a Heritage Site: A Case Study of George Washington Carver National Monument.

[4] Kozlowski, J. C. (2009), GOVERNMENT CONTROLS DONATED PARK MONUMENT MESSAGE

[5] Freeman, D. B. (1997). Carved in stone: The history of Stone Mountain. Mercer University Press.

[6] Bryant, J. Filene, B. Nelson, L. Scott, J. and Seriff, S. (2018), Are Museums the Right Home for Confederate Monuments?