A Rare Sighting of The General Lee

Mr. Rick Herndon adjusting a lug nut on his
1969 Dodge Charger, The General Lee in Baxley, Ga.

Dukes of Hazzard is a classic American television show that premiered in 1979 and ran for seven seasons. The show was set in fictional Hazzard County, Georgia, and revolved around two cousins, Bo and Luke Duke, who drove a souped-up 1969 Dodge Charger, nicknamed the General Lee. The car, with its signature orange paint job and Confederate flag on the roof, became an iconic symbol of the show and a cultural touchstone for generations of fans.

The General Lee was much more than just a car on the show - it was a character in its own right. With its powerful engine, flashy design, and daredevil stunts, the General Lee captured the imagination of viewers and became one of the most recognizable vehicles in pop culture history. The car was so popular that it spawned a whole industry of General Lee merchandise, from toys and model kits to t-shirts and lunchboxes.

Despite its enduring popularity, the General Lee has also been a source of controversy in recent years due to its association with the Confederate flag. While some fans see the General Lee as a harmless piece of nostalgia, others argue that the car's use of the Confederate flag is deeply offensive and insensitive. Whatever your opinion on the matter, there's no denying that the General Lee and Dukes of Hazzard have left an indelible mark on American culture and continue to be beloved by fans old and new.

The controversial Confederate flag on the General Lee.

Speaking of the General Lee, according to former cast member Ben Jones (Cooter), as well as set builders with the show, 325 General Lees were used to film the series. When production ended, only 17 survived.

Recently, I had the pleasure of encountering one of the 17 surviving General Lees at the 2023 Smoketember Fest Car Show in Baxley, Ga.  It is owned by Mr. Rick Herndon.  A smartly-dressed event goer kindly posed for me in the photograph below: 

Bonnie Moret Photography

Enjoy!