Hitching Post by onewing

Hitching Post

Maitland’s black boy statue – originally used as a hitching post for horses is a replica of lawn jockey statues seen in the United States, but he is also a ­symbol of courage.

He arrived here in Australia as a gift to a Maitland tobacconist and there was always a mystery about who the little boy was, until American author Waymon LeFall revealed the statue represents a small African American boy called Jocko Graves.

LeFall’s research showed that during the American revolutionary war, a free black man Tom Graves joined George Washington’s army.

Graves’ 12-year-old son Jocko wanted to go to war with his father, but he was too young. Determined, he went along anyway. As General George Washington was preparing to cross the Delaware River for the battle of Trenton, he realised he could not transport the horses by boat and that his steeds would have to be waiting on the other side. Jocko volunteered to hold the horses to make sure they were ready when Washington’s troops arrived. During the night Jocko froze to death awaiting the soldiers, never letting go of the reins. His sacrifice spurred the troops into victory. Washington was so touched by the boy’s sacrifice that he erected a statue in Jocko’s honour at Mount Vernon.

The famous little statue has been standing in several locations in High Street, Maitland for 148 years.

Maitlands Black Boy Ballad can be seen here if anyone is interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqrfObkhFJo


Today's main album photo
http://365project.org/onewing/365/2014-10-10
A wonderful statue and a wonderful and sad story of courage and devotion
October 10th, 2014  
What a sad story of a young boy's courage and loyalty. Love the image. great capture
October 10th, 2014  
Wonderful statue and information
October 10th, 2014  
really cool statue
October 10th, 2014  
What a lovely story. How did you find out?
October 10th, 2014  
Great capture.
October 10th, 2014  
Great shot
October 10th, 2014  
Interesting story
October 10th, 2014  
Great capture full of colour Babs, great depth of field and interesting story;)
October 10th, 2014  
@chimfa Thanks Jane. Tourist information office in Maitland and of course, Google, Google knows everything. ha ha
October 10th, 2014  
Interesting and thanks for sharing Babs :)
October 10th, 2014  
Such an amazing and sad story. If he was dressed like that it's no wonder he froze.
October 11th, 2014  
I like it...we used to see the American version more often...but I don't think they are too popular or accepted now.
October 12th, 2014  
@beryl @thistle @flyrobin @pittcj17 @seattlite @ceilidh @scarybird @pcoulson @hermann @kathiecb @eyesmile Thanks so much, sorry for the group reply, but busy with our exhibition at the moment.
October 12th, 2014  
What a marvellous story Babs. Love the shot and the knowledge. Thanks for sharing.
October 12th, 2014  
@onewing Hope the exhibition went well
October 12th, 2014  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.