A plaque honoring Confederate soldiers in Liverpool sparks debate due to its connection to slavery.
The American Civil War raged from 1861 to 1865. The North and South had major disagreements, and slavery’s expansion was a key conflict.
The plaque shows sympathy for Confederate sailors, honoring officers and crew members who served on the CSS Shenandoah bravely. The Shenandoah surrendered on the River Mersey months after the war ended, as the last Confederate ship to yield. The plaque shows a Union Jack and Confederate flag.
Rumford Place has Confederate links, as buildings there aided Confederate forces. Britain was neutral but traded with the South, as cotton was very important.
Liverpool merchants helped the Confederacy by providing arms and ships. Number 10 Rumford Place was like their embassy, and James Dunwoody Bulloch’s office was at number 12 where he bought navy supplies.
Black Lives Matter protests began five years ago and sparked debate about slave trader monuments. Protesters threw Edward Colston’s statue, prompting Liverpool to consider its own history.
Liverpool’s wealth came from slavery, restarting debates about celebrating slave traders. Some say monuments are historical items and think we shouldn’t destroy them.
The Rumford Place plaque isn’t old; it was put up ten years ago to remember the Shenandoah’s 150th anniversary. The Sons of Confederate Veterans funded it, and members wore Confederate uniforms at the unveiling.
Other plaques have Civil War themes there, and buildings are named after Confederate people. A sign shows Jefferson Davis, Bulloch, and Semmes.
A nearby memorial honors those who fought, dedicated to Brits in the American Civil War. It honors both Union and Confederate soldiers.
Liverpool has monuments to those linked to slavery and is adding plaques to explain their roles. They want to educate people about the past.
The Rumford Place plaques are being considered, and activists want monuments for anti-slavery Liverpudlians.
Liverpool pledged openness about slavery, and plaques will educate people. The city works with museums on the project, but finding locations is a complex process, and they must also get permission.