Look up! You’ll spot the tall, pale stone column topped with a statue of a soldier, right in the cluster of modern glass buildings-almost like history stretching its neck above the city.
Alright, traveler, you’re now standing where generations of Norfolk residents once gazed at a monument that sparked plenty of chatter and, let’s be honest, more than a little bit of controversy. The Confederate Monument once dominated this space, rising high with a marble column and the steadfast figure called “Johnny Reb” keeping watch over downtown. When it was first built in 1907-thanks to the efforts of the United Daughters of the Confederacy-picture locals in long dresses and bowler hats bustling about, probably wondering if “Johnny Reb” ever got tired up there.
The monument had all the trappings: “Our Confederate Dead, 1861-1865” carved in stone, the initials “CSA” for Confederate States of America, and even a battle flag. It was designed by J. D. Couper and sculpted by William Couper, and looked right at home in front of the museum-well, until it didn’t. Funny thing: in 1965, the monument was moved to build a bank, only to come back six years later-kind of like a stubborn lawn ornament you just can’t get rid of.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the story gets a little rocky. Sometimes folks called for its removal, and even gave it a new paint job with a bit of vandalism. But in June 2020, after years of debate-and one very dramatic crane ride-Norfolk decided to take Johnny down for good. Crowds gathered, cameras clicked, and as the statue lifted into the air, who knows if ol’ Johnny heard the whispers of history changing beneath him.
Now, Johnny and his monument keep a quieter watch at Elmwood Cemetery, minus the towering column. And right here, you’re left with a story that’s seen its share of change-reminding us all that even stone can move when history demands it.
