Robert Edward Lee sculpture

Robert Edward Lee sculpture was a bronze equestrian figure on a granite base in Market Street Park, Charlottesville. The figure stood eight meters tall and occupied an open plaza in the downtown area, visible from several surrounding streets.

Work on the sculpture began in 1917 under Henry Shrady and was continued by a second artist after his death. The dedication took place in 1924, removal occurred in 2021, and the bronze material was melted down in 2023.

The statue remained a central point of discussion regarding Confederate symbols until its removal in 2021 and subsequent melting in 2023.

The sculpture stood in Market Street Park near downtown Charlottesville and remained at this location from its dedication in the early twentieth century. The site underwent several name changes but remained a public space until the statue was removed.

An entire city block was purchased and a historic residence removed to create space for the park. This urban intervention permanently altered the original layout of the neighborhood.

Location: Charlottesville

Inception: 1924

Architects: Henry Shrady

Creator: Henry Shrady, Leo Lentelli

Made from material: bronze

Part of: Charlottesville and Albemarle County Courthouse Historic District

GPS coordinates: 38.03167,-78.48056

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:23