Not unlike most southern cities situated along railroad lines between industrial hubs, like Chattanooga and Atlanta, Kingston Georgia was once a bustling township that boasted lively commerce, hotels, and a prosperous farming community. The occupation of Kingston by Federal troops, in 1864, was undoubtedly a turning point in the city’s story.
When asked to paint a mural to memorialize Kingston’s role in the American Civil War theater, I drew my inspiration from images painted by Harper’s Weekly artist. Because the artists traveled with Federal forces throughout the South, their work offers an unique view of occupied southern towns. This particular piece that was published in Harper’s Weekly as well as frank Leslie’s illustrated Newspaper depicts Kingston as a busy township. In the foreground one can see teams of horses pulling supply wagons, a train transporting Federal troops, and a picturesque background. In said background one can see symbols of wealth. For example, the painting reveals a church, nice homes, crops and a factory smokestack.
To say that Kingston Georgia’s American Civil War history is perfectly captured by an artist that traveled with an invading force, is an understatement. The American Civil War is an event that has been pressed on popular culture, popular memory, and popular conscience. It’s not surprising that such an event can also be seen as a vibrant part of the country’s history, rather than an entirely destructive one. On one hand, much division comes from the American Civil War (yes, even in the modern era). This mural, on the other hand, is an attempt to subdue the negative power of the American Civil War, and to remind the public that there’s more to be memorialized than defeat and destruction.
As mentioned earlier, the mural depicts a scene of occupation. On the surface, that message is clear. If the viewer has courage and an open-mind - enough to dive further, one may see that in addition to occupation, the work also depicts peacefulness. The buildings are still standing, the crops are ripe for harvest, the strength of the citizens of Kingston, Georgia continues, even under the unpleasant circumstances of civil war.
It is my hope that when people look upon this mural, they will be inspired by the legacy of Kingston - especially the legacy of the women of Kingston - and that they are inspired to be better citizens and do the most good they can do to honor that legacy. Thank you for allowing me to stand beside the women of this club, it’s truly an honor.
