Confederate Memorial Monument: A Contested Legacy

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Explore Alabama's complex past at the Confederate Memorial Monument in Montgomery, a site of ongoing debate about history and reconciliation.

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Confederate Memorial Monument

Located on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, the Confederate Memorial Monument is an 88-foot-tall monument dedicated in 1898 to the more than 122,000 Alabamians who served in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. The monument's presence continues to spark debate, reflecting the ongoing struggle to reconcile historical memory with contemporary values.

A brief summary to Confederate Memorial Monument

Montgomery, Alabama, 36131, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Confederate Memorial Monument.

Visit nearby historical sites such as the Civil Rights Memorial and the First White House of the Confederacy to gain a broader understanding of Alabama's history.
Take time to examine the monument's intricate details, including the statues representing the different branches of the Confederate military.
Be aware that the monument is a subject of ongoing debate and controversy, and approach it with respect for diverse perspectives.

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Getting There

Walking

The Confederate Memorial Monument is on the Alabama State Capitol grounds at 600 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104. If you're already in downtown Montgomery, like at the Civil Rights Memorial or the First White House of the Confederacy, you can easily walk to the monument. Walk north on Dexter Avenue toward the Capitol building; the monument is on the Capitol's north side, near the street. Walking is free.
Public Transport

Montgomery Transit ('The M') buses serve the Capitol area. Check the M's website or app for routes and schedules. From a downtown bus stop, walk a short distance to the Alabama State Capitol, where the monument is located. A single ride fare is $2.00. Discounted fares of $1.00 are available for students, seniors (65+), and people with disabilities with valid ID.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Montgomery. Request a ride to the Alabama State Capitol; the monument is a short walk from the drop-off point. A short ride within downtown Montgomery typically costs $7 to $15, depending on distance and demand.

Discover more about Confederate Memorial Monument

The Confederate Memorial Monument, situated on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol, stands as a powerful, yet controversial, reminder of the state's complex history. Dedicated on December 7, 1898, the 88-foot monument commemorates the Alabamians who served in the Confederate Army.The monument's design, conceived by Gorda C. Doud and executed by sculptor Alexander Doyle, incorporates symbolism representative of the Confederacy. A stepped base supports statues of the four branches of the Confederate military: infantry, artillery, cavalry, and navy. Atop a central column, a bronze figure symbolizes "Patriotism," embodying the ideals of courage and sacrifice. The cornerstone was laid by Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America, in 1886.The monument's history is intertwined with the "Lost Cause" ideology, which romanticized the Confederacy and downplayed slavery's role in the Civil War. Erected during the Jim Crow era, the monument symbolized white supremacy and the racial hierarchy of the South.Today, the Confederate Memorial Monument is near other historical landmarks, including the Alabama State Capitol, the First White House of the Confederacy, and the Civil Rights Memorial. Visitors can reflect on the Civil War era and engage in discussions about historical memory.