There are several practical reasons to relocate the Confederate memorial known as “Fame” that have nothing to do with the purpose of the memorial itself.

First, the traffic lights hanging in front of the memorial are a distraction, especially when driving toward it from the Square.

Second, I suspect most people drive past without thinking about stopping and taking a closer look or reading the inscription.

Third, traffic passes by very close to the memorial making it somewhat of a risk to stand at the base to take a closer look and read the inscription.

Fourth, I understand that it has been “run into” by vehicles at least twice, incurring damage in at least one incident.

Five, as a photographer, it’s difficult to take a photo with the traffic lights and signs in the way as well as having to dodge traffic.

I suspect the current location was much different in 1909 when the memorial was erected. Today it is located in quite a “busy” location so a more “park-like” location, perhaps with benches and plantings, would be a more suitable location. I’ll leave it to others to decide where that should be. 

— Roger Hull

China Grove