One year later, Denton County's Confederate monument draws closer to next chapter in controversial
One year later, Denton County's Confederate monument draws closer to next chapter in controversial legacy
On June 25, 2020, in the quiet of night, an Arlington-based art preservation company arrived at the south side of the Denton County Courthouse on the Square. About 10 hours later, its crews would leave, taking with them decades of history, protests and a legacy of controversy all methodically divided into individual chunks.
The Confederate soldier monuments history dates back over 100 years, though the last decades in particular stoked local controversy as social justice movements gained steam nationwide. In the years leading up to its removal, the discourse was fervent, with advocates pointing out its historical significance and detractors noting its ties to slavery and racism.
While statues with similar ties have gained national attention in recent years, the push for the Denton monuments removal was already underway before the turn of the millennium. In 1999, a
Denton Record-Chronicle reporter covered one mans hourlong demonstration at the downtown Square, describing him as undaunted by his protest attracting more reporters than participants.
Its not a political statement to try to get notoriety or fame, the man told the reporter. Its a conviction I have, and I still have it. I planned if no one else shows to be out here walking by myself.
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https://dentonrc.com/news/one-year-later-denton-countys-confederate-monument-draws-closer-to-next-chapter-in-controversial-legacy/article_d10ac933-8505-575b-9476-23b897e28e4d.html
(Denton Record-Chronicle)