The Evolution of Southern Monumental Honor: Stone Mountain's Lee, Jackson, and Davis Carving

The purpose of the Stone Mountain relief, featuring Confederate figures Lee, Jackson, and Davis, was multifaceted and deeply intertwined with Southern history, racism, and the perpetuation of white supremacy. Helen Plane, the driving force behind this monumental project, was inspired by the controversial film The Birth of a Nation and the novel The Clansman, both of which propagated virulently racist ideologies. The intended audience for these monuments was the Southern elite, who wielded significant power and influence. These figures, celebrated by tales of valor and heroism, were in reality Confederates who fought against the Union and owned slaves, practices that were later condemned and viewed with great prejudice by those in the North.

Historical Context and Inspiration

The inspiration for such monumental efforts came from the 1915 film The Birth of a Nation, a well-made but immensely racist film that served to advance the Lost Cause myth. This myth celebrated the Confederacy and portrayed its leaders as heroes. The film was based on the novel The Clansman by David Dixon Porter, which detailed the founding and activities of the Ku Klux Klan. This romanticized portrayal of the Confederacy and its leaders served to inspire the re-founding of the Klan, thereby placing Stone Mountain at the center of a larger narrative of racism and hate.

Construction and Rationale

The sheer scale of the project was designed to instill fear and immense difficulty in anyone attempting to dismantle it. Construction of the Stone Mountain relief aimed to make it a colossal entity that would be a permanent symbol of Southern honor. It was envisioned as an impossible task for those with nefarious intentions to tear down, ensuring its permanence.

The Trinity of Lost Cause Mythology

Lee, Jackson, and Davis have been deified within the Lost Cause mythology, forming the 'Holy Trinity' of Confederate reverence. The Stone Mountain relief is the apex of this hero worship, serving as a constant and enduring tribute to these figures, aligning with the South's deeply ingrained historical memory.

Epic Monuments and Their Controversy

Epic monuments, such as the one carved into Stone Mountain, were constructed to memorialize figures who were held in high esteem by local elites. The fact that these individuals were slave owners, fought against the Union, and were later brought to account for their actions did not significantly impact their honored status. Smaller monuments, which could be more easily moved and placed in less controversial settings, were more common. In contrast, these colossal monuments were subject to constant public scrutiny, making them a focal point for controversy and resistance.

Comparison with Other Monuments

While other monuments to Confederate leaders may have played a lesser role in inspiring the white supremacist movements, the Stone Mountain relief's symbolism and scale set it apart. Its primary distinction lies in its direct connection to the founding and activities of the Ku Klux Klan, making it a more potent instrument of racial oppression and white supremacy. Imagine the public outrage if similar monuments to Adolph Hitler, Hermann Goering, Heinrich Himmler, and Joseph Goebbels were carved on a mountain in Germany. The comparison illuminates the stark contrast between the two: the Stone Mountain relief is a symbol of a racist and oppressive past, while similar monuments in Germany would be anathema to democratic values and historical remembrance.