Confederate Soldiers Monument

The Confederate Soldiers Monument featured a uniformed bronze soldier positioned on a granite base, flanked by two lampposts and four decorative cannonballs at its corners. The sculpture dominated the central area where it stood for many decades, visible from various points across downtown.

The monument was erected in 1924 and stood until 2017, when it was pulled down during protests following events in Charlottesville, Virginia. Its removal marked a turning point for the city regarding public monuments and historical representation.

The monument became a focal point for conversations about whose stories are told in public spaces and how communities grapple with contested symbols. Visitors witnessed how public perception of the site shifted significantly over time.

The location in downtown Durham was easily accessible on foot and typically open during daytime hours. Visitors should know the monument is no longer at its original site, and the area today appears as an empty or differently designed space.

The monument was funded through a specific tax provision that allocated a portion of Durham County's tax revenue directly for its construction. This unusual funding method made it a project directly supported by local taxpayers in a dedicated way.

Location: Durham

GPS coordinates: 35.99395,-78.89901

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46