Jefferson Davis Memorial Temple

Not every monument planned is built. The first proposed memorial to honor Jefferson Davis was a Beaux Arts structure planned by the Jefferson Davis Monument Association. Intended to be built in Monroe Park, the temple was directly influenced by the City Beautiful school of design. The 1890's plan shows an impressive domed stone building that would have been perfectly at home in a European city.

Due to the economic recessions of the 1890's, the grandiose temple was never fully funded and remained unbuilt by the JDMA in 1899, the project and the funds raised ($20,000) were formally transferred by the men to the United Daughters of the Confederacy, who ultimately built the Jefferson Davis Monument on Monument Avenue.