Raphael Semmes Statue in Mobile-- Part 2: Who Owns It?

Because of this article, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson is sure the city owns the statue.    But, in the aftermath of the June 4th removal of the eight foot tall statue from Royal and Government streets where it has stood for almost 120 years, people claiming to be descendants of the original ownership group have come forward and want it returned to them.

Camp 11 Sons of Confederate Veterans says they are the rightful owners.  A meeting will be held June 23 between the Camp and the city.

The city claims it owns the statue, but are willing to turn it over to the camp if the statue is no longer needed.  They also need to know the current value of the statue.

According to the newspapers in 1900, the statue cost $6,000 which means it would be worth  an estimated $180,000 in 2020.

--Old B-Runner