Lawn Jockey: A History and Explanation of Controversy

The lawn jockey came to existence in the 1800s to serve as a horse hitching post. The original design featured a man dressed in jockey's clothing with an extended arm. The arm was fashioned with a ring that a rider could tie his horse to while he went about his business. The lawn jockey pictured above is an example of the original design, known as "Cavalier Spirit."

The evolution of the lawn jockey design introduced smaller scale versions of the statue that were used strictly as decorations. Along with the smaller versions, a new concept called "Jocko" was invented. "Jocko" is depicted as a young black boy with cartoonish features. "Jocko" is often featured with an extended arm holding a lantern rather than a ring for hitching. This detail served as the spark of a controversy.

While some regard "Jocko" as a racist depiction of African Americans, others consider the statue to be a heroic symbol. Many believe "Jocko" was erected in honor of a young black boy named Jocko Graves. As the story goes, Jocko Graves served under General George Washington. Washington ordered Graves to stay behind and tend to the horses as the rest of the troop went to cross the Delaware. The legend claims that Jocko Graves was so loyal to his orders that he froze to death with a lantern in his hand as he watched the horses.

The history of the lawn jockey may be plagued with potential controversy, but it can still be regarded as one of the original lawn decorations.

Information was borrowed from Wikipedia and lawnjock.com