The Good Darky 🇺🇸

When you explore the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge, you will find a controversial 1927 bronze statue known as The Good Darky, or Uncle Jack. Originally commissioned by cotton planter Jackson Lee Bryan and created by sculptor Hans Schuler, this historical piece stands tucked away in an out-of-the-way back lot off a gravel road. The statue depicts an older African American man with a bowed head and hat in hand, dressed in an obsequious pose representing a generic, unnamed elder from post-emancipation or slavery times.

Visiting this site gives you a direct look into the era of Jim Crow laws and the "Lost Cause of the Confederacy" movement. First installed in downtown Natchitoches, the statue faced strong protests from the local African American community for promoting subservient stereotypes before being removed in 1968. It was later donated to the museum in 1974.

Today, as you view this powerful piece of American history, you can reflect on how Southern monuments were used to reinforce segregation narratives, offering you a deeply educational, sobering experience during your time in Baton Rouge.

What to see at The Good Darky

• 1927 bronze statue sculpted by Hans Schuler and commissioned by Jackson Lee Bryan
• Depicts an elderly African American man with his head bowed and hat in hand
• Tied to the Jim Crow era and Lost Cause of the Confederacy movement
• Removed from Natchitoches in 1968 following civil rights protests
• Located in a back lot off a gravel road at the LSU Rural Life Museum

Visiting tips

Look for the statue tucked away in the back lot off a gravel road on the grounds of the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum.

How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

The Good Darky is easy to reach on Baton Rouge’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Huey P. Long Bridge (Baton Rouge) and St. Joseph Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Baton Rouge travel guide.