Robert E. Lee - Montgomery, Alabama - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

Smithsonian Art Inventory Description: "Uniformed figure of Robert E. Lee stands on a pedestal. The figure is hatless and holds his gloves in his proper right hand. His proper left hand rests on his sword's handle."

The statue of Robert E. Lee on the campus of Robert E. Lee High School is decades older than the school. The statue originally was dedicated in 1908 to celebrate the centennial of Lee's birth and was located in a neighborhood called Capitol Heights. It was moved to the campus of the high school in 1960. The high school opened its doors in September of 1955. The school teams are called, appropriately, the Generals.

From the school web page (accessed December 4, 2011): "In June 1908, Robert E. Lee's imposing statue was unveiled at the Madison Terrace/Winona Avenue intersection. It was later moved to the end of Madison Avenue, near the Ann Street corner, and is now on the grounds of Lee High School a little farther south on Ann Street. The statue has stood at three different locations, but always facing North. Tradition says that the general would never turn his back to the possibility of approaching enemies from the North." (visit link)

A PDF copy of the 1908 dedication program can be found at the web site of the Capitol Heights Civic Association (visit link) In it one learns that four Confederate veterans ranging in rank from general to private were the ones chosen to do the actual unveiling of the statue. At the moment of the unveiling, the band was to play "Dixie." Apparently the statue was given to the city of Montgomery, as the mayor was scheduled to formally accept it. One can only hope that a good time was had by all who attended.

TITLE: Robert E. Lee ARTIST(S): Unknown, sculptor. W. H. Mullins Company, founder. DATE: Originally dedicated June 12, 1908 MEDIUM: Sculpture: bronze; Base: painted concrete. CONTROL NUMBER: IAS AL000292 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: The statue is located on the campus of Robert E. Lee High School, 225 Ann Street, Montgomery, AL 36107. It can be seen from Ann Street. DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: none

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