The Public Art of Civil War Commemoration: A Brief History with Documents

by Thomas J. Brown

In his intriguing examination of Civil War remembrance as a public art, Thomas Brown uses civic monuments, ceremonial oratory, historical reenactment, and other forms of commemoration to explore how Americans have addressed issues of nationhood, race relations, gender, and cultural continuity in periods of social and economic upheaval. Drawing on the latest scholarship, Brown provides an informative narrative frame for 24 rich primary texts that range chronologically from the Gettysburg Address to recent debates over display of the Confederate flag. The volume includes more than 30 illustrations of public monuments and mass-circulated prints to help students learn to interpret visual evidence. A chronology of Civil War commemoration, questions for consideration, and a bibliography provide strong pedagogical support.

Genres: Civil War, History

189 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 2004

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this quite enlightening regarding the different forms of remembrance of the Civil War. I've encountered so many 'Soldiers and Sailors Monuments' around the northern US (particularly interesting are ones in Indianapolis and Cleveland), with so many variations in style, that I was curious to learn more. This was very interesting in dissecting these public displays through five lenses (citizen soldiers, the African-American regiment from Massachusetts, Robert E. Lee, women, and Abraham Lincoln.)