Dear Southernbelle;
Welcome to CivilWarTalk!
I look forward to your future postings here and in many of the forums here.
I must warn you though; there will be times the software will net a naughty word or more. It will appear in your post as a ***** . Moderators have no control over it but; one of the most frequent 'word' caught in the net is: f-u-r-t-h-e-r. LOL Go figure. It is an innocent word and its caught a lot. So, if you see a word you know is innocent, like fu-rt-her or, General C-um-mings and or ship's s-cr-ew; just go back to your original post, hit the edit button and insert a few well placed hyphens if you will.
Another thing we're finding; is that some names are shared by other states, same with roads. So, if you will - when you are talking about Arlington, please denote which one-- Arlington, Virginia, Arlington, Texas, etc. Columbia Pike, is another common road term; so it would help to know where this road is--Virginia or elsewhere. That way, we're able to follow your topic/words/comments and observations.
Please know there are no quotas but, certainly want to hear from you. Post when you feel comfortable in doing so and at your own speed.
References are wonderful if you have them. It is great to go to the same book, page and read as another poster has; to read all of what that page has to offer. I like official records myself. So, I post all the information I can as to share.
Personal opinions and comments are welcomed also. So, don't feel this forum requires only references as to post comments about.
Now that I have done my official, unofficial greeting duties
-=- onto the topic of your post....
From the rumors I heard; the Longstreet family commissioned the statue but, the artist ran over budget and also didn't give the Longstreet family the promised quality of goods.
To me, it looks more like actor Tom Berenger who played 'General Longstreet' in the movie "Gettysburg." Hero, Longstreet's horse was an Irish Thoroughbred and the statue looks like some cross between a plow horse and pony. Longstreet, being 'Dutch' have big bones and strong. Berenger really does fit that physical statue well.
I personally feel that General Longstreet; General Lee's "Old War Horse" which is an extreme compliment; has been humiliated once again by such a statue. I think the Longstreet family was ripped off in a royal manner; but--couldn't raise funds once lost so much; they had to accept it.
I think Longstreet should be on a bronze memorial like everybody else; life like and in proportion.
When Lee died; all the blame games started on Longstreet for the loss at Gettysburg but; other Generals performed far worse and have better memorials. And, several of the poor performers at Gettysburg had better memorials than Longstreet's to which 'finally' was permitted in 1993 after the movie
Gettysburg was made.
Frankly, if I had the money-- I'd make sure Longstreet was properly honored. Unfortunately, I am not wealthy enough to do so. And, I don't have the authority to kick some caboose in South Carolina or Georgia to get a proper monument for Longstreet.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf