LABOR AND LEAVES BEHIND THE DUKE FAMILY:
sites that challenge the james b. duke statue
by Robin Kirk
Washington Duke is remembered as an “able industrialist and a conscientious Methodist philanthropist.” Lesser mentioned in the chronicles of his achievements is how he profited from an economy based on slavery. Duke, who was twice widowed, also owned at least one slave by the name of Caroline.
According to Duke Homestead State Historic Site, Caroline “cared for the motherless Duke children and ... later followed their careers with pride.” Duke also hired slave labor from neighboring slave owners to complete chores on his farm. Prior to his enlistment in the Confederate Army in 1863, Duke hosted an estate sale that included “some eight or ten likely Negroes.”
According to Duke Homestead State Historic Site, Caroline “cared for the motherless Duke children and ... later followed their careers with pride.” Duke also hired slave labor from neighboring slave owners to complete chores on his farm. Prior to his enlistment in the Confederate Army in 1863, Duke hosted an estate sale that included “some eight or ten likely Negroes.”
A statue devoted to Caroline should be erected to acknowledge the slave labor that has contributed to the prestige and wealth that the University enjoys today. Caroline’s statue should stand at the West Campus bus stop, looking directly at the state of James B. Duke, which stands in front of the Chapel. Leading to Caroline’s statue should be a path etched to show the texture of tobacco leaves -- a recognition of the slave labor-intensive industry that gave Duke enough wealth to found this institution.
At such a popular location, people will be compelled to reckon with this lesser known history that complicates the existing narrative of the Duke family.
At such a popular location, people will be compelled to reckon with this lesser known history that complicates the existing narrative of the Duke family.
Note: Duke was not the only man associated with the University to have owned slaves. Records show that former president Braxton Craven owned two child slaves Isam and Malinda.