A Robert E. Lee highway memorial marker, originally erected in 1947 by the Charleston Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), was recently relocated to Marion Square without public discussion, sparking controversy in Charleston, S.C. Removed from the Charleston School of Math and Science in 2021 amid a dropped lawsuit, the granite marker—honoring the Confederate general and displaying the Confederate seal—was stored by the city before being returned to the UDC and placed on private property in the prominent public park. State Senator Ed Sutton criticized the secretive installation, contrasting it with community-vetted memorials like the Holocaust Memorial and noting parallels to the removed John C. Calhoun statue, while urging dialogue with affected groups such as African American churches.
Historical Context
The marker commemorates the “Robert E. Lee Memorial Highway,” a 1920s-era project spanning states to honor the Confederate leader, reflecting post-Civil War Lost Cause narratives promoted by groups like the UDC. Charleston pioneered historical preservation but has reckonings with Confederate symbols, as seen in Calhoun’s 2020 pedestal removal from Marion Square due to his pro-slavery defense.
Key Players and Views
- UDC (Charleston Chapter 4): President Dena Wall celebrated the “more prominent location” as fulfilling their 1947 duty and advancing preservation.
- State Senator Ed Sutton: Called for community consultation, highlighting lack of input from Black churches like Mother Emanuel and questioning alignment with Charleston values.
- Washington Light Infantry: Admitted no outreach to African American stakeholders.
Location Details
Marion Square, a 10-acre privately owned public park, hosts diverse memorials including Revolutionary War plaques and a Medal of Honor tribute, each with prior public process. The Lee marker’s private property status shields it from city removal, unlike city-owned Calhoun elements.
Current Status
The memorial remains in Marion Square indefinitely, fueling debates on public space symbolism amid Charleston’s history of racial reckoning post-2015 Emanuel AME shooting. Community conversations may intensify, given the city’s tradition of balancing heritage and inclusivity.
