Confederate Monument

Origins and Purpose

Erected on St. George Street in 1872 by the Ladies Memorial Association of St. Augustine, this Confederate monument was created to honor 46 Confederate soldiers from the area who lost their lives during the Civil War. The monument was part of a broader effort by southern memorial groups to commemorate the war’s fallen soldiers. Unlike many such memorials, St. Augustine's Civil War memorial maintained a focus on local soldiers of the conflict and not on major military figures of the time.

Relocation to the Plaza de la Constitución

As St. Augustine developed, the monument was relocated to the Plaza de la Constitución. This move positioned it alongside other historical markers, making it one of the many significant memorials in the nation’s oldest city.

Community Discussions and the 2020 Relocation

In recent years, Confederate monuments across the United States became subjects of public debate. In St. Augustine, community discussions about the monument’s meaning and placement led to a decision to relocate it once again in 2020. City officials sought a solution that preserved the historical artifact while responding to public concerns over its location at the plaza.

The Monument’s Current Location

The Confederate monument now stands at Trout Creek Fish Camp on State Road 13, where it continues to serve as a historical artifact. The new location was chosen as a way to maintain its historical significance while removing it from the city’s central public square.

Understanding Historical Context

Today, if you are interested in St. Augustine’s Civil War history, you can see the monument in its new setting. As an example of 19th-century memorial architecture, it reflects a period in which communities sought to honor their fallen soldiers. Like many historical landmarks in St. Augustine, it provides insight into how different eras have shaped the city’s culture and history.

Note: The image of the monument above was taken at the Plaza de la Constitución before its relocation.

Exploring St. Augustine’s Historic Landmarks

St. Augustine is home to numerous historical sites that showcase its storied past. Explore the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fort, or visit the Oldest Wooden School House, which dates back to the early 1700s, while the Tolomato Cemetery and the Lincolnville Historic District offer deeper insight into the city’s history, including its connections to the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.