Just in time for Independence Day, descendants of soldiers who fought against the U.S. are now fighting in court. The Sons of The Georgia Chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans filed a lawsuit against Stone Mountain Park for planning an exhibit about the monument’s ties to slavery and white supremacy.
They claim it breaks state law.
🏛️ What’s Happening: The Georgia chapter argues that creating a “truth-telling” exhibit violates state laws protecting Confederate monuments.
- The planned exhibit would address the site’s connections to the KKK’s rebirth and segregationist history.
- The group also objects to the park’s 2021 decision to relocate Confederate flags away from a walking trail.
🗿 The Monument’s Background: Stone Mountain features the nation’s largest Confederate carving, depicting Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and “Stonewall” Jackson on horseback.
- Completed in 1972, the carving measures 190 feet across and 90 feet tall.
- The United Daughters of the Confederacy commissioned the project in 1915 – the same year the KKK held a cross burning atop the mountain.
💰 Moving Forward: Georgia lawmakers allocated $11 million in 2023 for the exhibit and renovations to Memorial Hall, though the exhibit isn’t open yet.
The lawsuit claims the exhibit would “completely repurpose” the park and ignore the legislature’s intent in creating and maintaining it. Park officials haven’t yet responded to requests for comment.
The exhibit is nothing but another example of non-stop pandering at its finest.