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In the summer of 2019, I participated in the experimental LAUNCH: Undergraduate Research program through the Center for Heritage. I utilized the extensive databases provided by Texas A&M Cushing and Evans Libraries, historians, and campus archivists, together with contemporary documentation, including laser scanning and photogrammetry. I documented statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross and find out how the physical and historical contexts of both the monument and it’s legacy have evolved in the midst of controversy in the 21st century.
One of the oldest and most iconic monuments at Texas A&M University is the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross (1838-1898), which since 1919 has stood in the heart of campus. Ross was a Texas Ranger, Confederate General, the 19th Governor of the State of Texas, and finally, President of the Agricultural Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University) which was more than enough to warrant a statue in the eyes of the College and the State. The commission for the monument was given to the Italian-born sculptor, Pompeo Coppini, and was dedicated by 24th Texas Governor, William Hobby, and Ross’s granddaughter. Since then, it has become the center of many university traditions that continue today. However, some of these long-standing customs have been harmful to the statue. Polishing, climbing, paint dumping, and in some cases, vandalism have worn the statue down for a century. In addition to physical damage, Ross’s reputation has also come under fire in recent years for his connection to the Confederacy and the rumors of his connection to the Ku Klux Klan, calling into question the heritage value of this monument -- especially in light of several other Confederate Coppini-made statues being removed elsewhere. Utilizing the extensive database provided by Texas A&M Cushing and Evans Libraries, historians, and campus archivists, together with contemporary documentation, including laser scanning and photogrammetry, we can document the statue and find out how the physical and historical contexts of both the monument and his legacy have evolved in the midst of controversy in the 21st century.
