At Ready

At Ready is a bronze sculpture depicting a soldier with an upraised arm positioned on a granite base. The work stood for over a century outside the Albemarle County Courthouse and became known by the figure's distinctive gesture.

The statue was erected in 1909 as part of a broader movement to install Confederate monuments across the American South. It was removed in 2020 following years of debate about monuments in public spaces.

The monument reflects the early 20th century Confederate memorialization movement in the American South, promoting specific narratives of the Civil War.

The monument is no longer at its original location after being removed from public view. Visitors interested in learning about its history should check locally for where it is currently stored or if related exhibits exist.

The name 'At Ready' comes directly from the soldier's distinctive pose with upraised hand, which signaled readiness to load a cannon. This specific gesture made the sculpture instantly recognizable to locals and visitors.

Location: Charlottesville

Inception: 1909

GPS coordinates: 38.03147,-78.47769

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:44