Concerns about the removal of Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart’s profile from the Town of Stuart’s logo and official imagery are unfounded, according to Town Manager Bryce Simmons.
Simmons made the comments in response to former Stuart councilman Dean Goad’s efforts to oppose the removal of Stuart’s likeness. Goad began circulating a letter in mid-October opposing the change. He had collected about 50 signatures from residents and businesses as of Nov. 6.
Goad expressed concerns that eliminating Stuart’s image could signal the start of broader changes, saying, “If you take that off the side of the vehicles,” then it’s going to be the tip of the iceberg of potential changes. “I just don’t think we need to do away with history.”
Goad plans to present his petition to the Stuart Town Council once he gathers more signatures.
Old vs. New Logos
The former town logo featured an image of J.E.B. Stuart set against a green map of the town, flanked by apples and strawberries. A golden banner reading “Est. 1884 Town of Stuart, VA” sat below the image.
As part of the town’s Downtown Revitalization Project, a new logo was introduced. The updated design features the historic Patrick County Courthouse with a five-petaled flower underneath. The words “Stuart Virginia” appears beneath the image on a green, blue, and dark blue background.
Addressing Rumors
“We developed a new brand and logo as part of the Downtown Revitalization Project,” Simmons said. “At the time, Mr. Goad was on the town council and approved the plan, including all parts of the rebranding were in it.” There were opportunities for public notice and engagement, but he chose not to raise objections or speak on the matter at that time, “and in fact, voted for the plan as it was,” he said.
Simmons emphasized that there has been no effort to remove J.E.B. Stuart’s image from town property.
“I did remove his image from my business cards and started using the new logo in email signatures. Other than that, there has been no other discussion, recommendation, or general use of a new town logo,” he said, adding there’s also been no change to the town’s work trucks and garbage trucks.
He added that there have been no council discussions about removing J.E.B. Stuart-related imagery or changing the town’s name.
“There is absolutely nobody at the Town of Stuart who is willing to change the town’s name, remove the statue, or eliminate Stuart’s image from official use,” Simmons said. “This is all just rumors floating around.”
Looking forward, Simmons said he sees the potential benefits of developing a cohesive town brand for beautification and business development, but he noted that no formal changes have been made.
“I’m open to discussing the use of J.E.B. Stuart’s image as part of the town’s brand, especially as we consider the future development of Stuart,” he said.
The Petition
In his letter, Goad writes that he opposes the removal of Stuart’s profile, calling the general “a historical, honored figure.” The letter argues that eliminating Stuart’s image is unnecessary and “unproductive” given the town’s namesake.
The letter also expresses opposition to what Goad describes as a “culture of ‘wokeness’ sweeping our nation,” arguing that removing Stuart’s image would be akin to erasing history.
“This is not a racial issue; rather, it is about the factual, historical basis on which our town is named, as is the name of the highway which goes through the town, Jeb Stuart Highway,” the letter states.
