'It's a piece of history': Illinois museum says 'Dukes of Hazzard' car with Confederate flag will stay

That's the message from the director of the Volo Auto Museum, home to the last surviving 1969 Dodge Charger from the first season of the "Dukes of Hazzard" television show.

That's the message from the director of the Volo Auto Museum, home to the last surviving 1969 Dodge Charger from the first season of the "Dukes of Hazzard" television show.

The iconic orange automobile is a symbol of television history, according to museum director Brian Grams. To others, though, the Confederate battle flag painted atop the vehicle is a painful symbol of a racist ideology.

While statues, memorials and other symbols of the Confederacy are being taken down across the country -- and Mississippi is removing the Confederate emblem from its official state flag -- Grams said there are no plans for the Volo Auto Museum to stop displaying the General Lee.

"We feel the car is part of history, and people love it," Grams said. "We've got people of all races and nationalities that remember the TV show and aren't offended by it whatsoever. It's a piece of history and it's in a museum."

The Volo Auto Museum acquired its General Lee in 2005, upgrading from previous replicas it owned. Grams said a similar issue surrounding the car's Confederate flag image arose a few years ago when he tried to purchase another General Lee from professional golfer Bubba Watson, who planned on painting over the flag. Watson confirmed last month that he still owns the car, but the flag has been removed.

Grams said he's never heard a complaint about the museum's General Lee. On the contrary, he said he's received supportive words from people who appreciate the... (Read more)

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