Former Northampton supervisor suggests adding Union soldier statue in Eastville

August 12, 2020
 |
Eastville Confederate Monument

By Ted Shockley

Northampton County should keep its Confederate soldier statue and build next to it the likeness of an African-American Union solder.

That’s what an African-American retired physician and former elected official told the Northampton County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday night.

Hertrich Ford March Specials

Dr. Arthur Carter of Nassawadox referenced research in his idea, saying a book by historians Barry W. Miles and Moody K. Miles showed most of Eastern Shore’s Confederate soldiers were white, and most of the local Union soliders were black. 

Instead of removing the Confederate monument on the courthouse green, Carter said the county should place beside it the African-American likeness of a Union solder. 

“That would show the world that we have a better way,” Carter said.

Further, it would preserve and enhance the county’s historic green, which he complimented. 

Coldwell Banker Harbour Realty

At the site, there also should be the names of the Eastern Shore’s 1,367 Confederate soldiers and 943 Union soldiers, Carter suggested.

Carter’s suggestion came amid a public debate statewide and regionally about Confederate monuments on public property. 

County supervisors said they have been approached individually about the Northampton Confederate monument, which dates to 1913.

Nobody else offered suggestions about the monument at the meeting, while two members of the public complimented Carter’s idea.

Hardees Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

“I think the board needs to address this issue one way or another,” said County Administrator Charles Kolakowski. 

Supervisors will hold a public hearing in October on the future of the Confederate monument, allowing everyone a chance to make a suggestion. 

.

Beach Music Show WESR Programming

Listen Live!

WESR 103.3FM PLAY BUTTON
COASTAL COUNTRY PLAY BUTTON

Local Weather

March 28, 2024, 10:15 am
Moderate rain
N
Moderate rain
47°F
7 mph
Apparent: 44°F
Pressure: 1014 mb
Humidity: 99%
Winds: 7 mph N
Windgusts: 36 mph
UV-Index: 0.37
Sunrise: 6:53 am
Sunset: 7:21 pm
 

Visit our sponsors

FOLLOW US

OUR ADVERTISERS

Buchanan Subaru
Beach Music Show WESR Programming

Member of the

esva chamber