Confederate Monument - Portsmouth, Virginia - American Civil War Monuments and Memorials on Waymarking.com

From 1875 to 1893, the Monument Association and the Ladies Memorial Aid Association struggled to raise funds, mainly through picnics, fairs, and contests, to complete a monument to the Confederate dead of Portsmouth and Norfolk County. They were later joined in their efforts by Stonewall Camp Number 380, United Confederate Veterans of Portsmouth, Va. The granite was donated by the Seabord & Roanoke and Raleigh & Gaston railroad companies from their quarries near Henderson, NC. On 14 December 1876, the cornerstone was laid with Masonic ceremonies. The capstone was placed on 15 June 1881. The ornamental iron fence was placed around the monument in 1882. On 15 December 1887, the infantry (south elevation) and artillery (north elevation) statues were received from the Monumental Bronze Company of Connecticut and were placed on their platforms. The remaining statues, navy (east elevation) and cavalry (west elevation) were placed subsequent to the dedication of the monument. The monument was dedicated on 15 June 1893.
Each of the four statues mount on the four platforms surrounding the monument are individually crafted unique statues. Following the cornerstone laying, four local men were chosen to pose for the figures. This monument is only one of three in the South containing a statue of a confederate sailor. This statue faces east toward the Elizabeth River, the route taken by the CSS Virginia in her engagement with the USS Monitor on 08-09 March 1862, during the Battle of Hampton Roads. Along the headband of the sailor's flat hat can be read the word "Merrimac." When the U.S. Navy abandoned the Gosport Navy Yard on 20 April 1861, all ships, munitions, and stores were ordered destroyed. Some histories report that among salvageable items were naval uniforms and hats that were later worn by the CSS Virginia's crew.
Facing south on the monument's pedestal is caved the inscription "To our confederate Dead" and around the four sides of the obelisk are in scribed the dates 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864 and 1865 which is directly below the 1861 on the south facade. At the top of the monument also facing south, is a five-pointed star. In the ground facing north at the monument's base, rests a weather marble stone honoring Major F.W. Jett, a Confederate engineer, who was influential in constructing the monument. to the left of the stone in the ground is a bronze plaque bearing the stone's inscription. Surrounding the entire monument is an ornamental iron railing with a gate on the north side.

Date Installed or Dedicated: 06/15/1893 Name of Government Entity or Private Organization that built the monument: The Monument Association, the Ladies Memorial Aid Association, and Stonewall Camp Number 380, United Confederate Veterans of Portsmouth, Va. Union, Confederate or Other Monument: Confederate Rating (1-5): Photo or photos will be uploaded.: yes Related Website: Not listed

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