Monument to the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors in Libby Hill Park
Monument to Confederate Soldiers and Sailors in Richmond’s Libby Hill Park in Church Hill.
LOCATION: 29th Street and Libby Terrace.
ARTIST: William Ludwell Sheppard.
DEDICATION: May 30, 1894.
DESCRIPTION: A bronze standing figure of a Confederate soldier 17 foot high, which stands atop a granite column 73 foot high, made of 13 stone cylinders to represent the 13 Confederate States. Granite column is topped by an ornate “Corinthian” capital. Modeled after Pompey’s Pillar in Egypt.
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Libby Hill Park sits high on the hill above the James River on the southern edge of Richmond’s first neighborhood — Church Hill. This small but significant park has some of the best views of the city and the James, including the “View That Named the City.”
The curve of the James River and steep slope of the hill at Libby Hill Park are very much like the features of the River Thames in England, at a royal village east of London called Richmond on the Thames. William Byrd II founded the town in 1737 and is credited with naming Richmond from this comparison of views.
The Monument to Confederate Soldiers and Sailors is visible from many areas of town, including the Interstate 95 James River Bridge. That is significant to me, as travelers passing through Richmond get a quick glance at a majestic symbol of our history.
Richmond On The James 
Posted by MICHAEL FARMER on August 28, 2020 at 1:12 pm
This has been removed by the Governor of VA & Mayor of Richmond. 7/2020
Posted by Larry Carroll on December 24, 2016 at 8:12 am
This impressive site/monument remains an inspiration to those of us that can still lay claim to being true sons of Virginia. Along with the breathtaking views of Richmond and the James River, the monument itself is a constant reminder of the sacrifice’s that the brave men of the Confederacy were willing to endure for “The Cause”. Honor, Glory, and Peace be upon their noble souls.
Posted by Phil Riggan on October 1, 2012 at 12:22 pm
I wrote this a long time ago and can’t remember the source (should have linked/referenced it).
“The Confederacy recognized the pro-Confederate claimants in both Kentucky and Missouri and laid claim to those states, granting them Congressional representation and adding two stars to the Confederate flag.” – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_States_of_America
Posted by historyreplaystoday (@historyreplays) on September 26, 2012 at 10:24 pm
there are 13 pieces to the column but there were only 11 states in the Confederacy. I have heard that many times before but have yet to see it anywhere credible. I can not confirm it but there are 11 devisions between stones.