How Many People Died Carving Stone Mountain?
The carving of Stone Mountain, located in Georgia, USA, is one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of monumental sculpture. However, the creation of this colossal monument was not without its tragic consequences. The question of how many people died carving Stone Mountain has long been a subject of intrigue and speculation. This article delves into the history of the carving, the conditions under which the workers labored, and the tragic toll it took on their lives.
The carving of Stone Mountain began in 1923 and was completed in 1972. The project was a collaboration between the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Stone Mountain Memorial Association. The monument depicts three Confederate leaders: Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson. The carving covers 90 feet in height and 190 feet in length, making it the largest high relief sculpture in the world.
The laborers who worked on the carving were primarily African American men, many of whom were employed by the Southern Laborers’ Association. The conditions under which they worked were often harsh and dangerous. The workers were exposed to extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain, and were required to climb steep ladders and work in confined spaces. Many of the workers were untrained and lacked the necessary safety equipment.
According to various sources, the number of deaths associated with the carving of Stone Mountain ranges from 12 to 19. However, some historians argue that the actual number may be higher, as records from the time are incomplete and many of the workers were not documented. The deaths were primarily due to accidents, including falls, machinery malfunctions, and exposure to the elements.
The tragic toll of the carving project has led to ongoing debates about the ethics of using forced labor and the exploitation of workers. Some have criticized the monument as a symbol of racism and white supremacy, while others argue that it is a historical artifact that should be preserved.
In the years since the completion of the carving, Stone Mountain has been the site of numerous protests and debates. The monument has been used as a platform for various causes, including the promotion of racial reconciliation and the removal of Confederate symbols from public spaces.
Here are some comments from网友 about this article:
1. “It’s fascinating to learn about the human cost behind such a remarkable achievement.”
2. “I had no idea the conditions were so bad for the workers. It’s a tragic part of history.”
3. “The number of deaths is staggering. It’s a reminder of the dangers of monumental projects.”
4. “It’s important to remember the sacrifices made by those who worked on the carving.”
5. “The debate over the monument’s symbolism is ongoing. It’s a complex issue.”
6. “I think the article does a good job of presenting both sides of the argument.”
7. “It’s sad to think about the workers who lost their lives for this project.”
8. “The article provides a lot of valuable information about the carving process.”
9. “I had no idea that the workers were primarily African American. That’s interesting.”
10. “It’s important to recognize the historical significance of the carving.”
11. “The debate over the monument’s future is a difficult one. I don’t know what the right answer is.”
12. “The article raises important questions about the ethics of using forced labor.”
13. “It’s fascinating to learn about the role of the Southern Laborers’ Association.”
14. “The number of deaths is a stark reminder of the dangers of working in such conditions.”
15. “The article does a good job of explaining the complex history of Stone Mountain.”
16. “It’s important to remember the sacrifices made by all those who worked on the carving.”
17. “The debate over the monument’s symbolism is a complex one. It’s not as simple as right or wrong.”
18. “The article provides a good overview of the carving process and the workers’ experiences.”
19. “It’s a reminder of the importance of labor rights and worker safety.”
20. “The article has made me think more deeply about the history of Stone Mountain.
