NPR

Sitting 26-Feet-High Atop A Horse, Gen. Lee Becomes A Lightning Rod For Discontent

The planned removal of Charlottesville's statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee stirred local controversy before fueling national flames.
The statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee seen in Charlottesville, Virginia's Emancipation Park one day after a white nationalist rally organized to oppose its planned removal devolved into violence. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

At the center of Charlottesville's violent white nationalist rally was a long-simmering controversy over the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Controversies over Confederate symbols have been brewing around the country — most notably in South Carolina, where the Confederate flag was lowered from the state house grounds two years ago, and New Orleans, where statues came down earlier this year.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR6 min readCrime & Violence
What's At Stake As The Supreme Court Hears Idaho Case About Abortion In Emergencies
The Supreme Court will consider the question: Should doctors treating pregnancy complications follow state or federal law if the laws conflict? Here's how the case could affect women and doctors.
NPR5 min readAmerican Government
First Day Of Trump's Hush Money Trial Kicks Off With Opening Statements And A Witness
The prosecution is arguing that Donald Trump wanted to keep information out of the public fearing that it would turn off voters in 2016. The defense argues Trump did nothing illegal.
NPR5 min read
Sleep Training: Life Preserver For Parents Or "Symptom Of Capitalism"?
Well, I'm back. After a lengthy parental leave, when publication of the Planet Money newsletter decreased in frequency, I'm now working full-time and the newsletter will go back to being published weekly. As always, I will continue to do my best to

Related Books & Audiobooks