Letter: Old Joe was built to honor veterans and should remain in square - Gainesville Times

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Letter: Old Joe was built to honor veterans and should remain in square

The Confederate Memorial monument, commonly referred to as, "Old Joe," is pictured on the downtown Gainesville square. - photo by David Barnes

08272017 OLDJOE 0003.jpg — The Confederate Memorial monument, commonly referred to as, "Old Joe," is pictured on the downtown Gainesville square. - photo by David Barnes

On Feb. 22, 1898, the United Confederate Veterans and United Daughters of the Confederacy started a program on George Washington’s birthday to erect a monument. Later in 1903, the Longstreet Chapter UDC raised money by offering day trips for 50 cents each as a fundraiser.