Protests over the killing of George Floyd have led to the removal of historical statues across the U. S. Many of the monuments and statues,…
Protests over the killing of George Floyd have led to the removal of historical statues across the U. S.
Many of the monuments and statues, most of which depict Confederate leaders or Christopher Columbus, have been a source of controversy over the years, with calls from progressive activists and others to remove them.
But with the recent outrage over racial injustice and police brutality, some protesters have taken matters into their own hands by vandalizing or tearing down the statues, while some state and city officials have taken official steps to order their removal.
Here are the places where statues and monuments have been toppled, vandalized or slated for removal by government officials.
Albany, N. Y.
Mayor Kathy Sheehan (D) said June 11 that she signed an executive order to remove the statue of Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler from in front of city hall. Sheehan noted that Schuyler was reportedly the largest slave owner in Albany.
Alexandria, Va.
A 131-year-old Confederate statue was removed from an intersection on June 2. The statue, named “Appomattox,” depicted a southern-facing Civil War soldier. The statue was originally planned for removal in July, but it was removed a month earlier due to the many statues that have been vandalized, The Washington Post reported.
Birmingham, Ala.
Protesters toppled a statue of Confederate officer Charles Linn on June 2. Additionally, Mayor Randall Woofin (D) agreed to remove an obelisk formally known as the Confederate Sailors and Soldiers Monument, NPR reported.
Boston
A Christopher Columbus statue was beheaded by protesters on June 10. The city later removed the damaged statue.
College Station, Tex.
A statue of Confederate general Lawrence Sullivan Ross was vandalized on the evening of June 9. The statue had been spray painted with the word “racist” along with “BLM” and “ACAB.” The statue also had a rainbow colored wig placed on its head.
Dallas
A Texas Ranger statue, named One Riot, One Ranger, was removed from Love Field airport on June 11. According to city officials, the decision was made by the Office of Arts and Culture and the airport.
