Wickham statue, Monroe Park, 1895.

"Soldier, Statesman, Patriot, Friend" is how Confederate General Williams Carter Wickham (1820-1888) is described in the words on the base of the pedestal that holds the statue to him. After a distinguished career in the Confederate Army, he aligned himself with the Republican Party in Virginia. He served as president of Virginia Central Railroad Company and later the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Company. Unveiled October 29, 1891, the statue was designed by Richmond sculptor Edward V. Valentine (1838-1930) who would later live in Monroe Terrace Apartments (now VCU's Johnson Hall) directly across the street from the park and the statue. In the early 1980s, a friend of mine and I would often sit ourselves on the bench in front of the statue after a wonderful meal at the old VCU Hibbs cafeteria. My friend called it "Wickhamizing." Click on this 1895 image for a larger view.

- Ray.