Confederate Monument (Union City, Tennessee)

The Confederate Monument in Union City, Tennessee, is a marble statue of a Confederate soldier standing atop a tall granite pedestal. It is located on the grounds of the Obion County Courthouse. The monument was erected in 1912 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), specifically the Winnie Davis Chapter of the UDC.

The monument's inscription typically honors the Confederate soldiers who fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Common themes in the inscription include valor, sacrifice, and defense of the Southern way of life. Specific names of Confederate soldiers from Obion County may also be included.

The monument has been the subject of ongoing debate and controversy, as Confederate symbols have increasingly come under scrutiny due to their association with slavery, racism, and white supremacy. Arguments for its removal typically cite these associations and the pain it inflicts on African American members of the community. Arguments for its preservation often focus on its perceived historical significance and the honoring of ancestors.

The monument's presence on public property raises questions about representation and whose history is being memorialized. It remains a point of contention in Union City, Tennessee. The monument's future is dependent on local community discussions, potential legal challenges, and decisions by the Obion County government regarding its placement and purpose.