Six years after the Talbot County Council’s decision to not remove the Talbot Boys Confederate Monument on public space in front of the courthouse, followed by thousands and thousands of words written since then commending and criticizing the decision, the impasse still exists.
Wretchedly fatal treatment of Blacks by White policemen in Minneapolis, Minn. and other cities, sparking national unrest and the Black Lives Matter Movement, has not swayed Talbot County’s elected leaders, except in the case of Corey Pack. Councilman Pete Lesher has long supported removal.
What we have is a shameful lack of leadership. What we have too is a school of thought that the Civil War was not fought over slavery. It was about state’s rights and regional sovereignty, according to these historical revisionists.
I wonder if supporters of retaining the Confederate monument consider the Holocaust a hoax. I wonder if they believe there were good people in the ranks of the rioters in Charlottesville, VA that resulted in the death of a young woman in August 2017.
Were there a sense of leadership among Council President Chuck Callahan, Frank Divilio and Laura Price, unity could be accomplished. It would require a measure of courage and a dose of concern about the prolonged damage to a county devoted to goodness and grace, not close-mindedness and mean-spiritedness.
Why do I feel so sure that the weak-kneed county council could achieve unity in the face of divisive controversy? Because I witnessed it first-hand from Gov. William Donald Schaefer, who acted boldly and decisively when he thought he was right.
In 1994, Gov. Schaefer was almost solely responsible for the installation of the first, and perhaps still the only, monument at the sacred Gettysburg Battlefield showing a Union and a Confederate soldier helping each other off the battlefield. It contains no partisan symbols. It conveys an eerie sense of human compassion.
This beautiful statue faces Culp’s Hill, where two Maryland militia units fought against each other. It was in that battle when two cousins from Trappe, MD literally confronted each other as flag bearers representing opposing sides.
Just imagine, 129 years after the bloody Battle of Gettysburg, not too from the Maryland border, a symbol of unity and respect tells the story so poignantly about differing sentiments in our border state.
I was the project officer for Nov. 11, 1994 ceremony. I witnessed the incredible show of leadership and compassion of Gov. Schaefer, a World War II veteran. He cared only about honoring those who fought for both sides in our nation’s destructive Civil War.
In typical Schaefer fashion, he acted, unafraid to open festering emotional wounds. He raised all the money privately. He found a gifted sculptor in Dallas, Texas.
A friend said recently that Schaefer’s style would not succeed on the Eastern Shore. I agree. He had learned politics in the not so gentle political battleground of Baltimore City. He also understood the need to proceed aggressively at times, damn the torpedoes. He instinctively knew how to energize and enthuse his constituents.
He sought results, instead of eternal chatter and disagreement.
My advice to the county council would be to appoint a task force of respected citizens representing Talbot’s diversity and led by co-chairs known for their equanimity. This group would have a six-month deadline to develop a recommendation after conducting public hearings in every part of the county. Then, the county council would deliberate publicly and possibly hold additional hearings.
Once a decision is made, based on a design approved in a competition and a price determined, I recommend that the county council would put up half the cost, with the other half raised privately.
I strongly suggest that the existing monument be removed and replaced with one devoid of divisive symbols. The only symbol would be unity. It would have no reference to slavery. Just unity. It would refer in no way to revisionist history or the calumny that dominates the Talbot Spy’s voluminous comments, or the Star Democrat’s letters section.
One final word: “Do It Now,” as Gov. Schaefer was wont to say in his inimitably impatient but sensible way.
It is time to bridge the chasm in Talbot County.
Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.
Sean Hickey says
Let’s keep having hearings until I get the result I like, damn the prior decisions- seems to be all that Freedlander is interested in.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Sean, for your thoughtful comments, which ignore changing circumstances and a desire for a more public airing of the issues. I suspect you understand that the county council conducted no public hearings on this divisive issue in 2020 due to Covid.
Charles D Zvirman says
With all due respect, I think it’s a safe bet to conclude that the statue is not long for the Courthouse lawn. Could be next year, could be after the 2022 election, but in time it will be gone.
I believe Mr. Freedlander’s suggestion of a task force and exploring options, funding, etc. now, is a good one. Bear in mind that all it takes is one more ‘remove’ vote in 2022, and with a majority, the new council may be much less concerned about opposing opinions with regards to the future of the statue. Better to negotiate now, before the battle is lost.
JT Smith says
Howard— Your thoughtful recommendation deserves the most serious consideration. I fear, however, that the zeal of those opposing action to remove this stigma from the courthouse entrance will prevent implementation of your proposal. The only viable solution is likely to be recasting of the County Council. I hope I am wrong.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, JT. Perhaps nothing will happen until and unless the political composition of the county council changes, as Charles Zvirman also suggests.
Jim Richardson says
Two soldiers from opposite sides helping each other off the battlefield is a bit romantic for my taste. I’m not saying it never happened, it just isn’t terribly realistic and certainly not representative of the truth. Yes, young men from Talbot County and elsewhere did fight against each other, but war isn’t like anything else; it’s certainly not like a soccer or wrestling match where everyone shakes hands after it’s over and goes home. War is mostly horrifying and it takes years, and in the case of our Civil War, centuries to heal the wounds. Gov. Shaefer’s statue warms the heart, but sadly is just another form of revisionist history – it makes us feel good, but it’s more like “The Sound of Music” than fact. Our nation will never resolve its differences about the Civil War until all our citizens are able to reject false narratives.
Anne Stalfory says
Agree.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Jim. I’m sorry you find facts inconvenient. I’m pleased to learn that war is not a spectator sport that involves gruesome acts of violence—and every once in awhile, human compassion.
Paul Callahan says
Jim, It happens at the battle of Gettysburg at Culps hill. That is why that monument was placed there.
This is typical of our current problem…. to many people know very little of the actual history but think they do, or are motivated by another agenda.
If you want to review our actual history from original source documents go to http://www.preservetalbot history.org and just read it.
Dock Deerin says
Howard, I agree with others that you have made a sensible and thoughtful proposal. The bottom line is that the current base and statue with the repugnant confederate battle flag glorify the myth of the “Lost Cause” and must go. Thanks for your contribution to the discussion.
Carl Widell says
Well said Howard
Anne Stalfort says
Putting another statue up just perpetuates that the war wasn’t that bad; we were all buddies in the end. Just get rid of the statue. Those who fought for the Confederacy, including my ancestors, we’re traitors. They took up arms against their country. That is the definition of treason. We are twisting ourselves into a pretzel to save some semblance of the Talbot Boys and what they stood for. I want no parts of that or a Unity statue.
Howard Freedlander says
Respect, Anne, for all soldiers is commonplace. A unifying monument might bring an end to the rampant divisiveness in Talbot County. Not a sure thing, but a possibility.
GERARD MARCONI says
Howard’s comments and proposal are right on the mark. I would add that in order to resolve this embarrassing issue we need business leaders as well as political leaders who can see what the controversy is doing to the image of Talbot County. Recent articles in Baltimore Magazine and elsewhere are depicting us as insensitive and out of touch with what matters in this country today.
Anne Stalfort says
I still don’t get why we need a monument at all. It’s beyond comprehension, that we are still fighting the Civil War. Why do we need a monument showing unity between the opposing sides of a war that was fought over 150 years ago? I vote we follow other counties and cites and remove the offensive monument and plant grass. As a side note, my ancestors from Orange County, Va. fought for the South. If any of them are on Confederate monuments, I would be the first one to say that they do not deserve to be honored with a monument. Let’s move on to the twenty-first century.
Dan Watson says
I agree with Ms. Stalfort’s point of view.
And while it has taken up all the oxygen, the TBS controversy is hardly the only local issue of importance to Talbot Countians.
Paul Callahan says
Anne, To answer your question – the freedom you have to even write an opinion along with so many more blessings of liberty we are all privileged to have, came about and continues by a two step process.
First we had citizens willing to risk their lives as “traitors” to the crown to establish our democracy. Though that early democracy was flawed it was the basis from which so many other liberties have been attained and continues to expand today.
The second part is that there must continue to be citizens in every generation that is willing to sacrifice to maintain both our liberties and our democracy. President Regan said that our “freedom is only one generation away from extinction.”
Maryland history clearly reveals our freedoms and democracy was unconstitutionally taken early in the civil war.
The Talbot Boys did not have a crystal ball to tell them the future, they responded when Maryland’s freedoms and democracy was taken. This is why they should stay at our courthouse.
It is a very unique part of our history.
Darrell Parsons says
Today In Nashville, Tennessee, a state commission voted 25-1 to remove a bust of Confederate general, Nathan Bedford Forrest from the State capitol. Seems like we could step up and move the Confederate statue on our courthouse lawn.
Anne Stalfort says
Thank you Mr. Parsons.
Michael Davis says
Thank you, Howard.
There is no need for a monument to the Civil War on the courthouse lawn in Talbot County. No major battles were fought here; leaders did not make major speeches here. Several hundred folks from Talbot fought for the Union, less than half of that number fought for sedition. America has been in many wars before and after Civil War. That conflict should hold no special place here.
This issue will not be resolved until the next election when the good people of Talbot County can vote out the Council members who support symbols of racism. The monument is an ugly stain on Talbot County.
Howard Freedlander says
Suspect you are right, Michael. Elections have consequences, as I hope is the case in Talbot County in 2022. We’re all tarnished by the inaction of Councilpersons Callahan, Divilio abs Price.
Paul Callahan says
Mike, A huge civil war event that gained national attention happened right here in Talbot county at our very own courthouse. In May of 1862 125 Federal troops surrounded our courthouse, beat our judge and drug him out and imprisoned him without charges or due process. All done by the orders of the President. It was a huge show of force to demonstrate that Federal authority was absolute and there would be no dissent.
This event turned many unionist into anti-unionist here in Talbot and elsewhere.
Glen Lewis says
Without history there is no future and there is no future without history.
Jim Richardson says
Mr. Freedlander,
On the contrary, facts are exactly what guide me. I agree with most of what you said in your article. The only point where we might not agree is about what should replace the Confederate monument. What I don’t want to happen is that we replace it with another statue that misrepresents, or worse, glorifies history. The monument you chose to use as an example, I admit, is an improvement over what we have now, but still doesn’t confront history honestly – what it does is further revisionist history with a sugar-coated view of the Civil War. For me and others, a unity statue is not an option.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Jim. I’m not interested in sugar/-coating. However, I would like to eliminate a festering source of discord in a town and county that I love.
Barbara Denton says
The fatal incident that happened in Minneapolis, MN involving George Floyd and Minneapolis Policemen has nothing to do with the Talbot Boys statue. George Floyd had already consumed a fatal dose of Fentanyl prior to his death. A man who committed 6 burglary thefts, multiple illegal trespasses, had an ongoing cocaine and alcohol addiction, committed 2 violent home invasions,3 armed robberies, was dealing Fentanyl and Meth, passing counterfeit money, beating 4 victims senseless and being arrested 23 times since 1998 is not an example to use in connection with the Talbot Boys. BLM was long in existence before this awful incident in Minneapolis last May. The destruction and lives lost due to the rioting, looting and shootings promoted and organized by BLM and other groups in the major cities across out nation is not an example to use.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Barbara. Incidents like George Floyd’s murder continue to inflame our country and lead to anger and discord.
Barbara Denton says
Obviously, you did not read my comment. George Floyd was not murdered. If someone is actually pressing hard enough on your neck you would be unable to say I cannot breathe. Now we are doomed to another summer of rioting, burning and murders on behalf of a drug crazed criminal. You are entitled to your opinion on the Talbot Boys, but you now live across the bay and most of us are not interested in hearing it.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Barbara. Struck me as murder by a policeman whose use of force was excessive. Saying that, I long have admired our police officers. After 44 years living in Talbot County, with still strong ties to the county, I suspect that my interest the Talbot Boys and other matters likely supersedes yours. Comments made by a slew of readers to my weekly columns seem
to belie your assertion. However, you are entitled to your lack of interest as well as your close-mind dn ss.
Paul Callahan says
Excellent article Howard but I would like to make just one correction to your statement where you write “What we have too is a school of thought that the Civil War was not fought over slavery. It was about state’s rights and regional sovereignty, according to these historical revisionists.”
That is not what we have here in Talbot. In Talbot many of our citizens understand that the men of Talbot had no thought of fighting to “preserve slavery” when they went to fight for the South. The historical documents from that time repeatedly reveal that when they left to fight, there had been repeated assurances by Mr. Lincoln, US Congress, and our State Leaders that slavery would remain after the Southern States were re-united.
Why Marylanders fought is a totally different issue then why the Southern States seceded. Our State and our citizens were facing their own crisis which shook the foundation of their beliefs in our Constitutional democracy.
From the beginning of the conflict until the Maryland legislature was arrested by Federal forces, thousands of words from our governor and our legislature were recorded in the legislative journals with many proclamations and petitions published for our citizens to read. None of those words were about the preservation of slavery and all were about the Constitutional crisis faced our State and her citizens.
Not only is it “common sense” but historical experts agree that the crushing of civil liberties by the Federal government against Maryland and her citizens hugely motivated Marylanders to fight against the Federal government. Our citizens believed that the democracy that their ancestors sacrificed so greatly to create, just 80 odd years prior, was dissolving.
To quote the Maryland State Legislature shortly before their arrest, “If this could happen to Maryland, what State could ever be free.”
If anyone would like to review the historical documents themselves please go to http://www.preservetalbothistory.org.
As a final note, the idea of a Unity monument that recognizes all Talbot men who fought, both black and white, is one that the Preserve Talbot History Coalition and some of our Council members support. It was the Move the Monument coalition that rejected this concept immediately without discussion.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Paul. The Maryland Monument monument at Gettysburg is simple but elegant, with a poignant message of unity after so much human destruction on Civil War battlefields,
Paul Callahan says
Howard, It is a wonderful monument that captures the experience of Marylanders at Gettysburg, neighbors fought neighbors and cousins fought cousins.
It is also an example that not all civil war monuments we installed to “oppress” but to commemorate both a historical event and the men involved.
Jim Richardson says
Howard,
You referred to the county’s public discussion about the monument in one of your replies.as a “festering source of discord” while I view it as a much-needed and healthy discussion between people who happen to have different views. To my mind, this is what democracy is all about. As long as we keep the debate respectful, it is a discussion worth having, and by the way, long overdue. I welcome every word and to sweep our problems under the rug with a unity statue just to retain peace and happiness in our community would be a mistake. One question then I’ll go: has anyone approached the African American community to ask them what they think of a unity monument?
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Jim. While discord and disagreement are vital components of democracy, as you said so well, I don’t believe that divisiveness fed by what many rightly consider a symbol of bigotry,
should remain in public space. A monument that unites, not splinters, would be a plus for our community. I well understand that honorable people can disagree honorably and civilly. I do not know what the African-American community thinks about a unity monument. I so respect the one at Gettysburg.
Peg Fitz says
Harriet is the answer! A full sized statue of Harriet Tubman could unify the masses and I know just the artist who can create this masterpiece. He is the artist behind the bronze bust of Harriet Tubman that graces the Harriet Tubman Museum in Dorchester County. Contact Troika Gallery for his name.
Brian Freeman says
This disagreement parallels the Civil War’s preposterous origin story dispute of Slavery versus States rights. This statue battle is simply about whether we accept our Black brothers and sisters, or whether we want to keep trying to push them down. “Preserve Talbot History” signs should just say “I don’t care about Black people”. Please stop trying to hide behind euphemism and keep it real.