Existing comment:
This 90-foot-tall pyramid was constructed in 1869 at the cost of $26,000. At this time, the south was destitute and raising this amount of money to "The Lost Cause" was a considerable achievement. No mortar was used to construct the pyramid. When it came to placing the capstone, the crane used wasn't tall enough so a volunteer was needed to climb the structure and manually guide it into place. A sailor serving time at a state penitentiary volunteered, placed the stone, and was granted his freedom. |