Confederate Monument in Murray

The Confederate Monument in Murray is a marble structure located at the Calloway County Courthouse, featuring four Doric columns supporting a granite canopy with a statue positioned at the top. The base contains a porcelain drinking fountain operated by a step pedal, adding a functional element to its memorial design.

The monument was erected in 1917 after the United Daughters of the Confederacy conducted a three-year fundraising campaign. Its construction reflected the widespread movement during that era to establish memorials dedicated to Civil War participants.

The memorial stands as a local remembrance of Calloway County residents who participated in the conflict, serving as a gathering place for community commemorations throughout the year.

The monument sits at the northeast corner of the courthouse grounds and is easily accessible from public areas surrounding the building. Visitors can approach it freely during daylight hours without requiring special access or arrangements.

This memorial is one of only four fountain monuments in Kentucky that combined commemoration with a functioning drinking water source. The integration of a practical utility with a memorial purpose was an unusual design choice for its time.