The Second “Burning” of the Shenandoah Valley

This was another bad week for the memory of the Confederacy and specifically Robert E. Lee in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. On Monday the Staunton City School Board voted 4 – 2 to change the name of Robert E. Lee High School. The public will have an opportunity to suggest new names for the school.

Also this week Washington & Lee University announced a number of changes. Portraits of Lee and George Washington in military attire, located inside Lee Chape,l will be removed in favor of portraits depicting the two generals in civilian clothing.

And so it continues.

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4 comments… add one
  • Lyle Patrick Smith Oct 12, 2018 @ 19:18

    They should name it after President Trump. Come on Staunton.

    • Kevin Levin Oct 13, 2018 @ 2:12

      You are certainly free to offer it as a suggestion.

  • Dudley Bokoski Oct 11, 2018 @ 16:53

    Logically speaking if you aren’t comfortable with George Washington being represented in uniform you can’t be real happy at his name being attached to the university itself. I think W&L should find a name which makes the students and faculty happy and honors its current perspective. It is hypocritical to trade on the names of two of the most famous military leaders in history while apologizing for being associated with their military careers.

  • James Harrigan Oct 10, 2018 @ 5:19

    Good for Staunton. Next, they need to change the name of the Stonewall Jackson Hotel, one of the most prominent buildings in town.

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