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.
