When was the statue of General Robert E. Lee erected on top of the Doric Column?

The statue of General Robert E. Lee was erected on top of the Doric Column in 1884. This statue was located in Lee Circle, a prominent intersection in New Orleans that was named in his honor. The decision to erect the statue was part of a broader movement in the late 19th century to memorialize Confederate leaders and soldiers, reflecting the cultural and political climate of the time, especially in the South, where the legacy of the Civil War was still a significant part of the collective consciousness.

The choice of 1884 is significant as it came during a period of reconciliation efforts where cities were increasingly building monuments to honor Confederate figures. This emphasis on reconciliation and remembrance shaped the way communities engaged with their history, particularly in the context of post-Civil War America. The statue stood for many years, but it became a topic of controversy and debate in more recent times, leading to its removal in 2017 amidst discussions about the legacy of the Confederacy in American history.