While Stonewall Jackson’s life story has been recounted in many volumes, Straley’s presentation will offer a fresh perspective by examining how and why Jackson is memorialized in West Virginia. The presentation will explore the influence of the “Lost Cause” movement in the 1880s and 1890s, which led to the creation of monuments honoring Confederate leaders. Additionally, Straley will address recent controversies surrounding such monuments.

Author & historian Cody Straley is an eighth-generation resident of Wayne County and a graduate of Marshall University. He was recognized as the 2020-2021 Blake-Hulse Scholar of Confederate History, during which he continued work on his MA thesis. This thesis was later published as the book "A Constant Reminder to All": Stonewall Jackson, the Lost Cause, and the Making of a West Virginia Idol. Straley’s second book, Chronicling Ceredo: The History of a West Virginia Town, was recently released. His articles have appeared in West Virginia Explorer, the West Virginia History journal, e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, and Goldenseal magazine. He currently serves as National Register Coordinator at the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office and has successfully nominated eleven properties for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Short tours of Glenwood will follow the presentation. Doors will open at 1:30 PM, and seating is limited.