Going Back to the Beginning: George Washington Gale's Grave
In Galesburg’s Hope cemetery, on the right-hand side of the main road sits a dark grey obelisk with the name “Gale” carved into the base. This notable landmark is the final resting place of George Washington Gale. Gale was a presbyterian minister born in 1789 in Stanford, New York, and one of the most important historical figures in Galesburg’s history. After founding the Oneida Institute of Science and Industry in 1827, Gale felt that his ideas of abolitionism were unwelcome there. And so in 1837 Gale, with around 30 families, left for a new tract of land to found an abolitionist community. After founding Knox College, Gale worked as a professor until around 1845 and remained in Galesburg until his death in 1861. Although his historical contributions were undoubtedly significant, Gale’s contributions to the myths regarding Galesburg are arguably greater. One of Galeburg’s most important narratives is that of the abolitionist town which stems from the story of its founding and continues to this day. From the staunchly abolitionist founder to the proud display of the Lincoln Douglas Debate site, Gale and his college have continued to contribute to markedly progressive narratives, especially for the time. His gravestone reflects this history well. With its tall, dark, imposing nature, the memorial easily towers over the nearest graves as a display of importance. Its mirror-like polish reveals a continued effort to keep his name and narrative alive to this day. His location in an integrated cemetery containing not a single confederate soldier also contributes to the abolitionist myth which is so essential to the town and college. And so Gale’s grave continues the narrative he pushed in life well past his death. It is important to note, however, that this narrative is pushed only from one side, that of a white, wealthy line of religious, intellectual men, and the most extravagant graves belonging to that caste of people reflect this as well.