Tourism is a big prospect for the future and item of historical interest need to be put into 100% shape. More than that, the monument should be a focal point for a sense of town pride in its past. Several local organizations, such as the VFW and the Boy Scouts, use the statue as a focal point for their programs honoring Veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Then the day came, when enough money had been donated, and two men were hired to clean and restore the statue. On April 7th, Michael Morris and John Dennis of Dallas completed phase 2 of the monument restoration by re-arming our beloved Confederate Soldier with a brand new rifle. Thanks to these two men, and the countless others, who made this happen. This is a proud moment in our history, to see this monument still standing and refurbished for future generations to come. In October of 2001, the Statue was formally rededicated by the SCV and the UDC, celebrating the restoration. |
Confederate Statue Rusk, Texas |
The Cherokee County Courthouse has on its lawn a monument to all the Confederate soldiers lost in the War between the States and must be rated as one of the most beautifully carved statues in all of East Texas. Staring eternally towards his beloved South, it is unique in this case because most Southern statues face north. The soldier represents all the valiant young men lost in that conflict. |
For 61 years the statue has been without a rifle, if you look close enough, the rifle carried by the soldier is not all there. The rifle stock sticks up all alone without the firing mechanism or a good portion of the rifle barrel intact. What's left of the rifle barrel is grasped in the soldier's hand. It's a shame such a well-carved statue should be marred in any way. But thanks to several people, the statue has been re-armed. |
First a little history... sometime before the turn of the century, the community started collecting money for a Confederate Memorial to be placed on the courthouse lawn. Many local and county citizens donated whatever they could. 296 people contributed $1,957.16 for the statue. It was then constructed in Italy and brought to Rusk, as were many other statues like it. It was dedicated on October 31, 1907, among several vistors to the site. The real reason is unknown of why the statue is facing south rather than north. The stories that have been heard are: "The Statue looks upon its beloved South; he's turned his back on the North, not wanting the north here; or it could be one final gesture, saying we'll never give our allegience to the North." They all could be true, who knows. |
Dedication Ceremony, October 31, 1907 |
Gathering of Confederate Veterans, circa 1921 |
In 1940, during the construction of the current courthouse, the statue had to be moved. During this process, part of the rifle, and the firing mechanism was broken off. Since that time, a few attempts were made to gather money together to fix the statue, all were in vain. That was until the SCV and the City of Rusk finally stepped in. A restoration fund was started up here in Rusk, due to efforts of Texas Parks and Wildlife Ranger John Garbutt and the Douglas Camp #124 of the SCV in Tyler along with many others contributing to the restoration of the statue. |
Tourism is a big prospect for the future and item of historical interest need to be put into 100% shape. More than that, the monument should be a focal point for a sense of town pride in its past. Several local organizations, such as the VFW and the Boy Scouts, use the statue as a focal point for their programs honoring Veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Then the day came, when enough money had been donated, and two men were hired to clean and restore the statue. On April 7th, Michael Morris and John Dennis of Dallas completed phase 2 of the monument restoration by re-arming our beloved Confederate Soldier with a brand new rifle. Thanks to these two men, and the countless others, who made this happen. This is a proud moment in our history, to see this monument still standing and refurbished for future generations to come. In October of 2001, the Statue was formally rededicated by the SCV and the UDC, celebrating the restoration. |
The majority of the men who went to war from Cherokee County are listed in a rare old book in the basement of the county courthouse. Of the 1,655 men listed in the book, many were said to have been killed and buried in such far off states as Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Arkansas and others. Many of the battles fought be Cherokee Countians are recounted in the book. The granite statue commemorates the dead with the poem: Some Beneath the Sod of Distant States Their Patient Hearts Have Laid, Where, With Strangers Heedless Haste Their Unwanted Graves Were Made. |
Restored and cleaned for the New Millennium |
Many wise men have philosophized, that within our past so shall lie our future. So it is with this honor we bestow upon our forefathers. Now, with great pride, we can begin this new millennium with this restored monument, acting as a focal point for passing on the heritage of our past to our sons and daughters, not only of the SCV, but the community at large. |
