A Monumental Undertaking – Tackling Vestiges of the Confederacy in the Florida Landscape

Symbols of the Confederacy have been a volatile topic across the country as recent events have spurred new resistance to their display. Part I of this note provides a brief introduction into the current controversy surrounding Confederate monuments in the United States, with a particular emphasis on the erected memorials in the Florida landscape. Part II argues that Confederate monuments were mainly erected with the intention of advancing racial subordination during time periods in American history where black Americans resisted white supremacy. As shown by the events that followed right–wing violence in both South Carolina and Virginia, this note argues that contemporary displays of monuments and other Confederate symbols continues to serve this purpose. Part III goes on to describe constitutional challenges which have proved to be ineffective in addressing the display of these monuments, as well as legislative efforts which suffer from resistance of interpretation. Finally, through various examples, this note concludes that activists in support of the removal of Confederate symbols will be better served by dedicating their efforts to community remembrance projects and dedications