Last week Viewpoint writer Brandon Brooks published an article calling for the removal of a local statue of George Rogers Clark, a resident of Charlottesville and soldier in the American Revolutionary War. Brooks argues the role Clark played in the expansion of America into lands previously held by Native Americans amounts to a celebration of this genocide and a slap in the face to any minority who sees it. As Brooks notes, this statue is not the first to come under scrutiny for its portrayal of Native Americans, and it will likely not be the last. However, Clark’s contributions to the Revolutionary War make him worthy of recognition despite the violence in his legacy.
America and Charlottesville must come to terms with their racist and violent pasts, and while many figures that loom large in our history don’t deserve the praise we give them, Clark does for a variety of reasons. Clark’s role in the American Revolution was primarily against General Henry Hamilton, who recruited Native American tribes to the British side and encouraged them to launch raids against settlers in Virginia. As a result of these attacks Clark launched the Illinois Campaign against British-controlled areas along the Ohio River. In this campaign that made him famous, his greatest successes were bloodless victories where he convinced Native Americans and settlers to stay neutral in the war between the British and Americans. His cunning also allowed him to receive the unconditional surrender of Hamilton at Vincennes, adding to his legend.
The characterization of the statue itself is another issue. Though the statue does depict Clark as a conqueror, saying it shows the Native Americans “cowering” in front of him is an understandable but somewhat biased reading of the situation. I also believe stating the statue is “a more egregious offense” than the Confederate flag previously located on the grounds of the State House in South Carolina is an overstatement. The statue depicts Clark on horseback approaching three Native Americans. One is kneeling, holding up a child in front of her, but of central importance is the chief who has his arm placed protectively in front her and confronts the approaching settlers. On his other side, a seated Native American warrior grasps a knife hidden beneath his blanket. Both sides appear tense and ready for battle. Clark’s hand is flung behind him, signaling his soldiers to refrain from firing. The oak branches around the Native Americans and inscribed on the rifle of Clark’s companion are meant to demonstrate the courage of both parties. It was this side of Clark that the statue is meant to capture, his work to negotiate rather than fight with the Native Americans.
The pages of American history are soaked in blood and so were the battles between Clark and British-allied Native Americans; both sides displayed little mercy towards the other. But the truth is that the creation of this entire country is a result of the oppression and eradication of the native peoples of the land and was built on the labor of slaves. This does mean we need to cast a more critical eye on our early history and understand the moral failures of our early leaders, but it doesn’t mean we can’t understand the time they lived in and respect their accomplishments. The narrow-minded view that respecting Clark is tantamount to celebrating genocide against Native Americans because he helped America win independence sets a standard few in history could live up to — it prevents an honest assessment of his legacy.
America still needs to fully recognize the atrocities committed against Native Americans, who continue to face high rates of imprisonment, alcoholism and unemployment. Brooks’ suggestions of Charlottesville residents more deserving of a statue are also good, although the logic behind removing Clark’s statue should also apply to James Madison, who owned hundreds of slaves and freed none upon his death. But as Clark’s statue is already here, it is his accomplishments we should be looking at. As a brilliant general who fell into debt to support his men and won the respect of his enemies, Clark has earned his statue.
Alex Mink is an Opinion columnist for The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at a.mink@cavalierdaily.com.
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