The Confederate Monument

At 76 feet, this is the tallest, one of the oldest, and one of best Confederate monuments in the state. Sergeant Berry Benson of North Augusta posed for the statue Generals Robert E. Lee, "Stonewall" Jackson, T.R.R. Cobb, and William H.T. Walker are around the base Dedicated on Oct. 31, 1878, the monument cost $17,313.35. "No Nation Rose so White and Fair: None Fell So Pure of Crime." first appeared on this monument.

Confederate Monument:
700 block Broad St., Augusta, GA

This is the tallest, one of the oldest, and one of best Confederate county monuments in the state. The 76-foot tall monument features a private at the top and generals at the bottom. The soldier on top who leans on his rifle, wears a kepi, and faces east from his perch was sculptured in the likeness of Sergeant Berry Benson who posed for the figure. Sgt. Benson was a sharpshooter and Scout. Twice captured he escaped both times, once by tunneling out of Elmira Prison in New York. At Appomattox he did not surrender but walked home, therefore his un-surrendered musket is available for viewing in the Augusta-Richmond County Museum. Benson, whose home still stands in North Augusta was active in Augusta business and politics and the UCV. He died in 1923.

The monument was unveiled on October 31, 1878. The base of the monument is Georgia granite and the shaft and statues of pure Italian marlble. It was designed by Von Gunden of Philadelphia. The work was carved by the Italian sculptorn Antonio Fontana in Carrara, Italy and erected at a cost of $17,331.35 From the top of the second section, twenty five feet from the base, rises a simple, unbroken forty-seven feet obelisk presenting a singularly graceful and dignified monument.

Alexander Stephens was in Augusta for the ceremony, but was too sick to attend. A grand parade was held with many battle-scarred regiments and dignitaries, including Stonewall Jackson's widow and then governor, Gen. Alfred Colquitt. Gen. Clement A. Evans spoke, the first recorded appearance of the "Reverend General" who would be speaking at monument dedications in Georgia for the next 30 years. On one side is perhaps the most common inscription on Georgia's Confederate monuments, first used here in Augusta: "No Nation Rose so White and Fair: None Fell So Pure of Crime."

The Generals at the base are General William Henry Talbot Walker representing Augusta, General Robert Edward Lee for the Confederacy, General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson representing Virginia and General Thomas Reade Roots Cobb representing Georgia.