Dare I say it? After years of enthusiastic debate, the issue of the Talbot Boys memorial is resolved. The best news? Everyone won.
Last week, I read with excitement that the funding was now secure to relocate the Talbot Boys memorial to Cross Keys Battlefield in Rockingham County, Virginia. While last minute glitches or delays remain possible, it is time for all to celebrate the resolution of a long debate. Soon, the Talbot Boys will make their way to their new home. I call that a win-win. Here’s why:
The history of the Talbot Boys will not be lost. Those interested in learning about the Talbot County men who chose to fight for the Confederacy will continue to be able to do so, both by accessing history books or by visiting the memorial, which will be an accessible three-and-a-half-hour drive away.
The “learning opportunity” inherent in this unique history is preserved. No history has been “cancelled,” and the distraction that the debate on moving the memorial created has been removed. In many ways, the history of the Talbot Boys will be more accessible after the memorial’s relocation.
The memorial has found a home free of controversy. Those who opposed relocating the memorial should see its preservation, including its careful relocation where it will be protected from vandals, and, more importantly, cease to be the object of debate, as a victory. It is likely that the long-term future of the memorial has been achieved.
Contrast the future of the Talbot Boys with that of the Robert E. Lee memorial that once stood in Charlottesville. That statue is being melted down into ingots for use in creating new public art. Our local preservationists prevented that from happening here.
A new, positive chapter of Talbot history has been written. Our county recognized the importance of racial justice and equity and relocated a memorial that had become an embodiment of racism. That characterization of the memorial is very much a reflection of our own times and should not be assumed to be a judgment on the motivations of those who erected the memorial in the early 20th century. The history of those Talbot citizens can be judged on its own merits. The action of relocating the memorial was not a repudiation of them. Instead, it should be viewed as a step forward towards ensuring that justice in this county is accessible to everyone and that nothing at the courthouse suggests otherwise.
Talbot residents of color and all those embracing racial equity and justice were heard. The County Council responded to the pleas for the memorial to be relocated. In so doing, they demonstrated responsiveness to part of our community that historically has felt underrepresented. The experience of the Talbot Boys resolution will further empower this community. That is what democracy is all about—government listening to and responding to everyone.
The distraction of the debate on the memorial is gone. Now the council can increase its focus on things like making our county a better place to live, focusing on a response to climate change, and dealing with the pandemic. There is a lot of work to do. Every minute freed up by the resolution of the Talbot Boys debate, is welcomed.
I am certain that some of those on both sides of our now-concluded debate are not entirely happy with the outcome. Some would have liked to see the memorial destroyed. Some supported modifying it. And others just wanted it left alone. The compromises inherent in the final resolution were good ones. Although not everyone got everything they wanted, everyone got a win. And Talbot County got a huge win as it stepped into the future by finally ending an acrimonious, divisive debate.
J.E. Dean is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant writing on politics, government, birds, and other subjects.
Zachry Bradshaw says
How do you define a “win”? While I appreciate the value in the accurate documentation and education of history, I do find incremental actions, such as this, influential to the accuracy of the general historical narrative. Is it not concerning that one party is shipping off a “problem” to another party who has welcoming arms? What parties consulted and contributed to this decision? Assuming this followed all requirements, how can the general public audit the contract or transactional details?
Charles Zvirman says
If you have such concerns, may I suggest in the future you attend county council meetings. This matter was discussed and debated over the course of months, if not years. All matters of discussion are on the public record including – in all likelihood – your questions re: the specifics of the contract, removal, relocation, etc.
Zachry Bradshaw says
Hi Mr. Zvirman,
Thank you for your reply and suggestions. Perhaps you would assist me in this pursuit?
Best regards,
Zachry Bradshaw
John Dean says
I’m not sure what your position was on the issue of moving the memorial. I define a win as a party achieving a major objective. For those that wanted to “preserve Talbot’s history,” the monument being moved rather than destroyed is a win (at least in my view). For those that wanted the monument moved off the courthouse grounds, that is a win.
The US “won” World War II, but lost over 400,000 soldiers in the process. Wins are very rarely “100% wins.”
Thank you for reading the piece.
Carol Voyles says
Thank you. Nice message to start the New Year.
John Dean says
Thank you. Happy and safe holidays!
Arlene Wolff says
CANCEL CULTURE !!
John Dean says
Let me politely disagree with your comment, which I interpret as an objection to moving the monument.
Progress in civilization requires change. When slavery was finally abolished in the U.S. that, I suppose, was “Cancel culture.” I trust you would not have supported continuing slavery just because it existed. Also, as I note in the piece, no history is being canceled. New history is being written–new, positive history.
I doubt you will agree with me on my points, but let me thank you anyway for reading the piece.
Jill Poe says
Now the Karma begins on the county of Talbot and we will truly see that this is not a win win situation for all. The basement fire in the courthouse is just the beginning. Let’s see how the elections go for the council members. And don,t forget the botched out of control growth they have doomed the county to. Turning this into a racial issue is the only distraction. Soon enough everyone will see that is not over.
John Dean says
I am very sorry to read your comment. If you are aware of any connection between the decision to move the monument and the computer fire at the courthouse, please contact the Talbot County Sheriff.
Eric Werner says
Like any good writer, this author makes sure that the outcome he reports sounds good. And in most cases, such as this, I’m sure it supports his opinion. It is/was far from a win win.
John Dean says
Thank you for calling me a good writer despite disagreeing with me. That doesn’t happen very often.
I respect your difference of opinion despite my conclusion that the resolution is a win-win for the county.
John Wilson Dean says
Beyond having similar names, I find a great deal to be admired in the position taken in this article by J.E. Dean (whom I do not know). In an increasingly partisan country, the concept of compromise is becoming increasingly rejected in favor of winning at all costs. Yet what is overlooked in that viewpoint is that the substantial degree of polarization in our society effectively renders it highly unlikely either side will achieve a total victory that will be sustainable. Compromise remains the essence of democracy, allowing our nation to deal effectively with issues and move on without becoming bogged down in a swamp of indecision without resolution. So congratulations to Talbot County in this instance for dealing with this issue and looking to tackle other challenges in the coming year.