List Of 183 Monuments Ruined Since Protests Began, And Counting By Jonah Gottschalk
https://thefederalist.com/2020/07/22/list-of-183-monuments-ruined-since-protests-began-and-counting/
Most monuments torn down were not by protesters, but by city officials after pressure or threats from protesters.
Thirty-three statues of Columbus. Nine of the Founding Fathers. Eight of Saint Junipero Serra. With the frequency of the ongoing iconoclasm, it can be hard to gain a scale of the problem.
For each story that has breached the news cycle, at least a dozen went unreported outside of local media. This detailed list records each instance monuments have been defaced, vandalized, and or torn down since nationwide protests began, updated as more occur.
Some key takeaways include:
- At least 183 monuments, memorials, statues, and major historical markers have been defaced or pulled down since protests began in May.
- While Confederate monuments have taken the lion’s share of media coverage, they actually form a minority of the statues targeted.
- By far the most popular target was Christopher Columbus, with 33 statues in total having been defaced and pulled down.
- The next most popular targets were Robert E. Lee (9), Serra (8), and Thomas Jefferson (4).
- The vast majority of the vandals were never charged, with 177 out of 183 instances having no arrests.
- Most monuments torn down were not by protesters, but by city officials after pressure or threats from protesters.
- By far the most common route for monuments being destroyed was for protesters to damage it, then the city quickly removing it as a “public safety” hazard, not to be returned.
- For a majority of the statues removed, the fate of the artwork is currently unknown, while a minority have been moved to cemeteries and museums.
The list begins with the most recent instance of iconoclasm and continues backwards in time until the first instance connected with nationwide rioting, in late May.
July 20
Monument to Marcus Daly, Butte, MT
Monument to the 19th-century Irish immigrant and successful businessman. Defaced with vandalism reading OLD WHITE MAN TEAR IT DOWN BLACK LIVES MATTER. Was restored by locals with materials donated by local businesses.
July 19th
Cemetery Monument to Confederate Soldiers, Savannah, GA
A statue dedicated to Confederate soldiers in the Battle of Gettysburg, placed above graves of Confederate soldiers. Defaced in two separate incidents, which included graffiti and damage to the statue.
July 18
Memorial to Fallen Kansas City Police Officers, Kansas City, MO
A memorial to 119 KCPD officers who have been killed in the line of duty. Defaced by crowd of 150 protesters surrounding the local police headquarters, which was also vandalized. Marked with graffiti, including messages with “Abolish the Police” and “No Room 4 Fascists.” The mayor promised to restore it, and several arrests were made.
Monument to Christopher Columbus, Chicago, IL
Large 87-year-old monument created by the city’s Italian-American community, included icons of other Italian explorers and scientists. Defaced by a crowd of hundreds of protesters advocating for abolishing the police. They also attempted to pull it down, but were prevented by police. Eighteen officers were injured during the confrontation, and several people were arrested.
July 17
Statue of Jesus Christ, Miami, FL
Statue of Jesus at a Catholic Church was pulled down, then beheaded by unknown criminals. The diocese is asking for the attack to be investigated as a hate crime. One of a surge of attacks on Catholic churches and icons across the country.
Statue of Robert E. Lee, Antietam, MD
Seventeen-year-old statue of the Confederate general at Antietam National Battlefield. Defaced with BLM graffiti. Will be restored.
July 16
Union Veterans Monument, Saratoga, NY
One hundred and forty-five year-old statue dedicated to Union veterans of the 77th Saratoga Volunteers Regiment. Pulled down then torn to pieces by unknown vandals.
Statue of George Washington, New Orleans, LA
Statue of the nation’s founder defaced with BLM graffiti by unknown vandals.
July 15
Alexander Andreyevich Baranov Statue, Sitka, AK
Thirty-one year-old statue of the Russian merchant, who led the Russian settlements in what is today Alaska. Involved in several wars against the Tlingit tribe, which massacred several Russian settlements. Despite public support for the previously vandalized statue, the city government ordered it removed after pressure from protesters.
Statue of the Blessed Mother, Chatanooga, TN
Statue of the Virgin Mary at a Catholic Church torn down and beheaded by unknown vandals. Part of a series of attacks on religious icons and churches across the country.
Monument to Confederate Soldiers, Amarillo, TX
Eighty-nine year-old statue of local Confederate soldiers. Defaced numerous times by unknown vandals, including graffiti with protester messages. The city government is in the early stages of a plan to remove the statue following a petition from activists.
July 14
Confederate Statue, Oxford, MS
Monument to Confederate soldiers at Ole Miss. Defaced, then removed by the school administration following protests. Will be moved to a nearby Confederate cemetery.
Numerous Religious Statues, Punta Gorda, FL
Several statues of Jesus, Saint Mary, and three children were torn down and defaced by night at a Catholic church. Security camera footage captured a suspect, who was found and arrested.
Statue of Ronald Reagan, Dixon, IL
Statue of the nation’s 40th President, placed on the banks of Rock River where he served as a lifeguard; he has been credited with saving upwards of 70 lives while on duty. Defaced with protester graffiti by night.
July 13
Statue of Hiawatha, LaCrosse, WI
Sixty-year-old statue of the Native American legendary leader. Requested to be removed by city government because it became a tourist attraction, and as a way to “face the symbols of our past.”
Statue of Thomas Ruffin, Raleigh, NC
Statue of the state Supreme Court justice, who made pro-slavery rulings and was a slave owner. Pulled down by the city because of concerns about protesters tearing it down themselves.
July 11
Sampson County Confederate Monument, Clinton, NC
Following protests surrounding the monument, demonstrators attempted to pull it down, which partially succeeded. The city then removed the rest.
Statue of the Virgin Mary, Boston, MA
Set afire by unknown vandals, badly burning the face, arms, and upper body of the statue.
July 10
9-11 Memorial, Washingtonville, NY
Memorial to firefighters who died during the September 11 Islamist terrorist attack in New York. Defaced by unknown perpetrators, who sawed down the American flag at the site, then removed the memorial’s eagle.
Statue of Sophie B. Wright, New Orleans, LA
Thirty-eight year-old statue of the 19th-century education advocate and philantropist, was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Defaced with BLM graffiti by unknown vandals.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Buffalo, NY
Sixty-eight year-old statue proactively removed by its Italian American owners after seeing other Columbus statues defaced and destroyed during protests. “We don’t want any of those things to happen because that would be an insult to our community, and we don’t want to be insulted,” stated one of the group leaders.
John McDonough Bust, New Orleans, LA
Eighty-two year-old statue of the entrepreneur and public school donor, who owned slaves. Major advocate of manumission and return of enslaved workers to Liberia. His bust was pulled down with ropes, and the remaining monument damaged by vandals.
Bust of Colonel Charles Didier Dreux, New Orleans, LA
Bust of the first Confederate field officer killed in the Civil War. Pulled down from its pedestal by unidentified vandals, then defaced. There are no plans for its restoration.
July 9
Statue of a Confederate Soldier, Oxford, NC
Statue of a Confederate soldier in front of a county library. Removed by commissioners, without a public hearing, after reports of violent threats to the statue in an upcoming protest.
Joseph Bryan Statue, Richmond, VA
Statue of Richmond journalist and owner of the city newspaper, who also served in the Confederate Army. Pulled down by the city government as part of city-wide removal of monuments associated with the Confederacy.
Fitzhigh Lee Cross, Richmond, VA
Cross dedicated to the Virginia governor, who served as a general for the Confederacy during the Civil War. Pulled down by the city government as part of city-wide removal of monuments associated with the Confederacy.
Historical Marker of David Dodd’s Execution, Little Rock, AR
Monument marking the site where a 17-year-old was executed by Union troops as a spy. Pulled down by the city because of Dodd’s association with the Lost Cause movement.
July 8
Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Statue, Richmond, VA
One hundred twenty-six year-old monument to Confederate veterans. After being surrounded by BLM messages during protests and seeing nearby statues torn down by protesters, the city mayor used his emergency powers to pull down the monument, along with many others, as threats to public safety.
Courthouse Confederate Statue, Wadesboro, NC
Long-vandalized 114-year-old statue dedicated to local Confederate soldiers killed in the Civil War. Ordered removed by the city government. To be auctioned off to private buyer.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Trenton, NJ
Sixty-year-old statue ordered removed by the city council following calls from activists and vandalism.
July 7
Columbus’ Last Appeal to Queen Isabella, Sacramento, CA
Group of 137-year-old marble statues in the center of the Capitol Rotunda. Removed by the California State Legislature “given the deadly impact his arrival in this hemisphere has on indigenous populations.” The artwork’s future is unknown.
Statue of JEB Stuart, Richmond VA
One hundred thirteen year-old monument to “Jeb” Stuart, a Confederate cavalry general. After it was vandalized with tar by protesters, the city pulled down the monument.
Statue of Andrew Jackson, Jackson, MS
Seventy-two year-old statue of the nation’s seventh president. To be torn down under orders of the city government, who stated it is being done to further racial justice.
Henry County Confederate Monument, McDonough, GA
One hundred and ten year-old monument to Confederate soldiers. Following petitions by thousands of activists, the city government ordered the monument pulled down.
July 6
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Bridgeport, CT
Sixty-year-old statue pulled down without warning by the city council out of “public safety” concerns. Future unknown.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Columbus, WI
Statue of the explorer dedicated in the 1980s. Ordered removed by the city council, who refused to have a referendum on it. Future unknown.
Statue of John Mason, Windsor, CT
One hundred year-old statue of the early English settler involved in the killing of hundreds of Native Americans in a retaliation attack during the Peqot War. Vandalized with BLM graffiti, then removed by the city.
July 5
Statue of Frederick Douglass, Rochester, NY
One hundred twenty-one year-old statue to the legendary abolitionist. Defaced and torn down by unknown vandals. The statue was deemed too damaged to be returned to its place.
Monument to Judah Benjamin, Sarasota, FL
Seventy-eight year-old marker dedicated to the Confederate secretary of state’s voyage across the Atlantic. Abruptly removed by the city following calls from activists.
Confederate Mass Grave Monument, Greensboro, NC
Marked the graves of more than 300 unidentified Confederate soldiers. Vandalized then toppled by unknown vandals.
Three Mississippi Confederate Monuments, MS
Three Mississippi monuments and memorials to Confederate soldiers. All three were ordered removed by local governments as a result of the ongoing unrest, with unknown final resting places for the statues.
July 4
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Waterbury, CT
Statue donated by Italian American Association in the 1980s. After previously being guarded by protesters protecting the statue, vandals eventually managed to behead the statue then spray it with red paint.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Baltimore, MA
Statue created through donations from Italian American associations in the ’80s. Pulled down with ropes by protesters, dragged through the streets, then dumped in the harbor.
San Junipero Serra Statue, Sacramento, CA
Statue of the saint was beaten, graffitied, set on fire, then pulled down by hundreds of protesters.
July 3
Statue of the Virgin Mary, Gary, IN
Statue of the Virgin Mary was found beheaded and torn apart by unknown vandals.
Statue of Private Benjamin Welch Owens, Hampden, PA
Statue in church yard dedicated to a Confederate soldier was pulled down and defaced by vandals, who labelled it racist. The church pledged afterwards to not return it to its position, while condemning the vandalism.
Jenkins Monument, Hampden, PA
Monument marking the location of Confederate Brigadier General Albert Jenkins and his troops movements near Gettysburg. Set up 15 years ago by a local historical society to mark the closest Confederate troops came to Harrisburg, Penn. Torn down by owner of the building whose land it was on.
United Confederate Veterans Memorial, Seattle, WA
Ninety-four year-old memorial to Confederate soldiers in a cemetery set up by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Defaced then toppled by a group of protesters.
July 2
Civil War Historical Markers and Statues, McConnellsburg, PA
Several statues and plaques marking Civil War events in the town, including states of two Confederate soldiers killed in the area. Ordered removed by the county, despite resistance from local history groups.
Mt. Zion Methodist Confederate Statue, Charlotte, NC
One hundred eleven year-old statue of a Confederate soldier. Defaced by protesters, then requested removed by the church whose land it stood on.
Matthew Fountain Maury Monument, Richmond, VA
Ninety-one year-old statue to the key oceanographer and astronomer, who also served as an officer in the Confederate Navy. The monument depicts him in civilian garb, although it notes his position in the Confederate military. Defaced numerous times by protesters, who attempted but failed to pull it down. Later pulled down by the mayor using emergency powers.
Christopher Columbus Statue, Philadelphia, PA
One hundred forty-four year-old statue ordered removed by the city mayor as a way of “reckoning with systemic racism.” Directly followed clashes between protesters and demonstrators aiming to protect the statue from being torn down.
Statue of George Whitefield, Philadelphia, PA
One hundred and one year-old statue of the key Methodist founder and popular Great Awakening minister. Pulled down by the University of Pennsylvania because he was a slaveowner who supported slavery. The administration described Whitefield as a figure who was “inconsistent with the University’s values.”
July 1
Elk, Portland, OR
120-year-old statue of an elk dedicated to the area’s wildlife. Set afire and vandalized numerous times during protests, until so damaged the city removed it for public safety concerns.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Austin, TX
Sixty-three year-old statue donated by local Italian American society. Removed by the city government with the cooperation of the society, to be replaced by a different Italian American monument. Future of statue unknown.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Columbus, OH
Sixty-five year-old statue of Columbus gifted to the city by citizens from Genoa, Italy. Pulled down by the city government as a symbol of “patriarchy, oppression, and divisiveness.”
Robert E. Lee Memorial, Roanoke, VA
Small memorial to the Confederate general in plaza named after him. Following requests from residents, the statue was removed by the city, future unknown. One of numerous Virginia monuments removed following the state revoking laws preventing monuments being pulled down.
Stonewall Jackson Monument, Richmond, VA
Large 101-year-old statue of the Confederate general. In response to attempts across the city to tear down monuments by protesters and vandalism of the statue, the city mayor used his emergency powers to have the city pull down the monument.
June 30
Emancipation Memorial, Boston, MA
One hundred forty-one year-old statue of Abraham Lincoln freeing a kneeling slave, modelled on statue dedicated by Frederick Douglass in Washington, DC. Ordered removed for being racist by the city government following push from activists and protesters.
San Junipero Serra Statue, San Gabriel, CA
Part of the 215-year-old mission. Hidden from public view following destruction of similar statues by protesters. The mission was then burned down by unknown vandals sometime after.
Confederate Cemetery Memorial, Fayetteville, NC
One hundred fifty-two year-old memorial to killed Confederate soldiers in a town cemetery. Pulled down by the city on request from its unknown private owner. The owner refused to identify why the memorial was being removed.
Confederate Monument, Orangeburg, SC
One hundred twenty-seven year-old statue of a Confederate soldier, part of a memorial to locals killed in the Civil War. Ordered removed by the city as a response to “ongoing systemic racism.”
Rockdale County Confederate Monument, Conyers, GA
One hundred seven-year-old monument to Confederate soldiers. Following threats to tear it down, the city promptly pulled down the monument. Future is currently unknown.
Nash County Confederate Monument, Rocky Mount, NC
One hundred three-year-old monument to Confederate soldiers. Pulled down by the city in front of a crowd, future unknown.
June 29
3 Cemetery Statues, Frederick, MD
Three memorials in a graveyard that includes Confederate soldiers were defaced, and one statue was beheaded, pulled down, then sprayed with red paint. The statue will likely not be repaired, according to the cemetery.
Lee Square Confederate Monument, Pensacola, Florida
One hundred twenty-nine year-old monument to Confederate soldiers, defaced by vandals, leading to the city making early moves to pull it down entirely.
Our Confederate Soldiers, Beaumont, TX
One hundred eight-year-old statue, pulled down on city council orders, unknown future.
Statue of Columbus, Hartford, CT
Century-old statue of Christopher Columbus dedicated to the area’s Italian American contributions, torn down by city government.
Kanawha Riflemen Memorial, Charleston, WV
One hundred-year-old memorial to Confederate militia group, plaque pulled down by the city with no warning, prompting mixed reactions from locals who were not included in the discussion.
To Our Confederate Dead, Louisburg, NC
Memorial to killed Confederate soldiers. Following marches and potential threats from protesters, the City Council moved it to the town cemetery.
June 28
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Atlantic City, NJ
Ordered removed following vandalism of similar monuments, future unknown.
June 27
Monument to Fallen Confederate Soldiers, Fayetteville, AR
Dedicated to 30 Confederate soldiers killed in Fayetteville, pulled down by private owners and city.
Ten Commandments
A man pulled down a monument to the Ten Commandments with a chain and his pickup truck, then dragged it through the streets. Was arrested by local police shortly after.
June 26
Statue of Christopher Columbus
Public monument, and part of a National Historic Monument. Ripped down with ropes by rioters affiliated with the Afro Liberation Movement.
Loudoun County Confederate Monument, Leesburg, VA
One hundred twelve-year-old statue outside the city courthouse, to be preemptively removed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy following protests surrounding it.
June 25
Soldiers Monument, Santa Fe, NM
One hundred fifty-two year-old monument dedicated to Union veterans. Following the Indian Wars, a plaque was added remembering those who fought in “battles with the savage Indians.” The word “savage” was struck off 50 years ago. Still, it was vandalized with numerous messages about it being racist. The mayor announced he will pull it down, despite resistance from locals.
Pioneer Fountain, Denver, CO
Denver fountain with statue of frontiersman Kit Carson on the top, who was a Union officer during the Civil War leading a group of primarily Hispanic volunteers against the Confederacy. He also fought in the Indian Wars, which has drawn outcry today. Pulled down by the city as a “proactive” step, after having celebrated its 109th anniversary.
Denton Confederate Soldier Monument, TX
One hundred two-year-old memorial in Denton, Texas. After extensive protests outside, the city pulled down the monument themselves.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Norwalk, CT
Under pressure from protesters, the city government came by night with workers and tore down the statue. The statue was more than 130 years old. A group of Italian Americans protested the removal, leading to a clash with a group of BLM protesters. The statue is usually the center of the city’s Italian heritage celebrations.
Monument to Confederate Veterans and Statue of George Wallace, Wilmington, NC
Removed without warning by the city over concerns about damage from protesters, taken down by night. Unclear when it will be returned, if it returns at all.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Providence, RI
Pulled down secretly by night under orders of the city. Future is uncertain, but the city’s Italian American community is attempting have it moved to their neighborhood.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Newark, NJ
Pulled down by night in front of a crowd of cheering protesters. Angered some in the city’s dwindling Italian American community, who were not reached out to prior to the teardown.
Civil War Monument, Denver, CO
One hundred eleven-year-old memorial in Denver to Union soldiers in the Civil War. Torn down by rioters overnight, then graffitied with “defund cops.” Suggested to have been torn down because on its list of battles on the plaque was the Sandy Creek Massacre, where soldiers destroyed a Creek village.
June 24
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Philadelphia, PA
Ordered dismantled by Mayor Phinney as a way of “reckoning with the legacy of systemic racism.”
Statue of Christopher Columbus, New Haven, CT
One hundred twenty-five year-old statue vandalized with red paint by demonstrators, then removed by the city despite sizeable protests organized by Italian American community.
Confederate War Memorial, Dallas, TX
Memorial dedicated 123 years ago. Pulled down by the city, which was justified as a “potential danger” to the rioters threatening to pull it down. Currently in storage, no statement on its return.
Statue of Thomas Jefferson, Long Island, NY
Moved by Hofstra University administration from entrance to museum due to the protests and being a “consistent source of pain for our schools black students and allies.”
Bust of Washington, Washington DC
Torn off of stand by unknown individuals by night at George Washington University.
Statue of Hans Christian Heg, Madison WI
Ninety-five-year-old monument to the abolition hero and Civil War martyr, torn down by hundreds of rioters, dragged through the streets, beheaded, and thrown into a lake.
‘Forward’ Statue, Madison, WI
Monument to women’s progress outside the Madison capital building, torn down by rioters, also with heavy machinery.
John C. Calhoun Monument, Charleston, SC
Torn down by city before crowd of hundreds of protesters. John Calhoun was a 19th-century politician remembered for his strong support of slavery.
American Receiving the Gift of Nations, Camden, NJ
“Obscured” by the Rutgers College administration following petitions and outcry against it. Depicts Native Americans bowing to Columbus.
Statue of Juan Junipero Serra, Carmel, CA
Statue of a Catholic saint who was one of the first missionaries to reach California. Condemned by some advocates for participating in the Spanish system of using Native American indentured servants, and for spreading Christianity among the tribes. Century-old statue removed by the city after many of his statues were attacked and destroyed by protesters. Whether and when the statue will return is unknown.
June 22
Statue of Juan Junipero Serra, San Louis Opiso Missionary, CA
Memorial statue removed due to threats to desecrate it. The local diocese stated that the statue was not being pulled down out of their own desires, but to protect it from rioters. They stated they stand by Serra’s legacy of fighting for Native American rights while supporting Christianity.
‘To Our Confederate Dead’ Monument, Louisburg NC
Following pressure from petitions for its removal, the city council moved the monument to the town’s cemetery “so that it may be appreciated in its historical context.” It also cited safety concerns about protesters toppling it and harming themselves.
Confederate Memorial Obelisk, St. Augustine, FL
Memorial to local casualties built following the Civil War. In response to protests, the City Council voted to move it to an unknown location. The move has garnered resistance from locals and some historians, who state that the historic monument would likely be destroyed in the process.
Pitt County Confederate Soldiers Monument, Greenville, NC
Pulled down by the city out of concern for “traffic and public safety.”
June 21
Statue of Henry Lawson Wyatt, Monument to North Carolina Women of the Confederacy, Raleigh NC
After being partially toppled by protesters, the mayor motioned to have the rest of the statues in the Capital removed in front of a crowd of demonstrators.
June 20
Statue of Juan Junipero Serra, Los Angeles, CA
Covered in red paint, and pulled down with a rope around the neck by demonstrators who stated it was done in solidarity with BLM.
Pine Bluff Confederate Monument, Pine Bluff, AK
Removed by the city in agreement with United Daughters of the Confederacy, planning to be moved to a nearby cemetery.
Gloria Victis, Salisbury, NC
Confederate memorial dedicated by the widow of Stonewall Jackson 111 years ago. After violence at the site of the memorial, and pressure to remove it from protesters, the city made an agreement with the local United Daughters of the Confederacy chapter to have the memorial moved to a cemetery.
June 19
North Carolina State Confederate Monument, Raleigh, NC
In two separate attempts, the two statues were pulled down by protesters, dragged through the streets, then hung from a streetlight. The remains of the monument were taken apart under orders from the governor.
Statue of Albert Pike, Washington DC
One hundred twenty year-old memorial to Albert Pike, who served as a general for the Confederate States of America, and later went on to become a notable poet and Mason. The statue was dedicated to his poetic and Masonic achievements. It was torn down by a crowd of rioters with chains and set on fire.
Statue of Francis Scott Key, San Francisco, CA
Statue dedicated to the writer of the “Star Spangled Banner. Graffitied with “Kill Whitey,” “Slave Owner,” and “All Colonizers Must Die,” then torn down by hundreds of protesters, one of several statues destroyed in Golden Gate Park.
Bust of Ulysses S. Grant, San Francisco, CA
Eighteenth U.S. president and commander of the Union Forces, whose strategies were key to defeating the Confederacy. Statue was more than 120 years old and constructed by an immigrant sculptor in his honor. One of several statues torn down by hundreds of protesters in Golden Gate Park.
Statue of Juan Junipero Serra, San Francisco, CA
One of the statues torn down by hundreds of protesters in Golden Gate Park.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Houston, TX
Vandalized with red paint, parts torn off by rioters. What remained was then pulled down by the city government.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Columbus OH
Vandalized with graffiti by protesters, then pulled down by Columbus State Community College.
Statue of George Preston Marshall, Washington, DC
Removed by owners, was in front of RFK Memorial Stadium. Known for his refusal to desegregate his NFL team.
June 18
Statue of Juan Junipero Serra, Ventura, CA
To be removed by church and city officials under pressure from protesters, current location and future unknown.
Memorial to Company A, Capital Guards, Little Rock, AR
Memorial to militia group that served in the Civil War on the Confederate side, vandalized, then pulled down by the city.
Statue of George Washington, Portland, OR
Century-old statue of the nation’s founder. Washington’s face was wrapped in an American flag by a crowd of protesters at night, which was then lit on fire. It was then pulled down by the rioters.
DeKald County Confederate Monument, Decatur, GA
One hundred twelve-year-old obelisk was vandalized, then pulled down by the city following demonstrations for its removal.
Kit Carson Obelisk, Santa Fe, NM
One hundred thirty-six year-old monument to the famed frontiersman, to be pulled down under orders of the mayor following vandalism and protests.
June 17
Captain William Clark Monument, Portland, OR
Monument to William Clark of the “Lewis and Clark” expedition across the United States, removed by the University of Portland “as a precaution” after being vandalized alongside statues of his slave, York, and an unnamed Native American.
Statue of Diego de Vargas, Santa Fe, NM
Removed by mayor directly before protest about statues and failed attempt to remove it the night before. Statue of Spanish governor who put down a large Pueblo revolt.
Gravestone of Unknown Confederate Soldiers, Silver Spring, MD
Cemetery grave marker of 17 unidentified Confederate soldiers killed during their invasion of Maryland. Vandalized with red spray paint, then toppled by vandals.
Spirit of the Confederacy, Houston, TX
One hundred twelve-year-old monument pulled down by the mayor, and moved to the city’s Museum of African American Culture, a move which sparked anger from the local NAACP branch.
Jefferson Davis Memorial, Brownsville, TX
Memorial to the president of the Confederate States of America, hauled off by the city, to be kept in storage while its ownership is determined.
June 16
Vance Monument, Asheville, NC
Fifty-foot monument dedicated to Gov. Zebulon Baird Vance, who served as an officer for the Confederacy. City ordered it must be removed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy immediately, or it will be torn down, to mixed reactions from locals.
Howitzer Monument, Richmond, VA
One hundred-year monument to a Richmond artillery crew of the Civil War. Torn down and vandalized by protesters.
Norfolk Confederate Monument, Norfolk, VA
One hundred thirteen-year-old Confederate monument, vandalized then mostly pulled down under orders from the city.
Hey Reb! Las Vegas, NV
Statue of University of Nevada at Las Vegas mascot, which is designed after an 1800s mountain man, but was originally based on a Confederate soldier. Removed by the university because of the mascot’s association.
Statue of Juan de Onate, Albuquerque, NM
Statue of Spanish conquistador who founded New Mexico while searching for lost gold. Removed by city after violence between protest groups over nearby statue led to one person being shot.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Columbus, OH
Sixty-year-old statue vandalized with graffiti and red paint, then removed by the city.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, St. Louis, MS
One hundred forty year-old statue intended to celebrate immigrants pulled down by the city after calls from protesters, sparking anger from local Italian-Americans.
Statue of Josephus Daniels, Raleigh, NC
Major journalist and avowed racist, statue removed by his family, saying it was “time.”
Statue of John Sutter, Sacramento, NC
Key figure in the Gold Rush, used forced Native American labor, monument outside hospital removed by its administration.
June 15
Confederate Mass Grave Marker, Clarksville, TN
Marks the grave of 200 unidentified Confederate soldiers who died in a nearby battle. Pulled down by the city “for its own protection.”
Equestrian Statue of Juan de Onate, Alcade, NM
Pulled down by the city despite resistance from Hispanic Americans after violence between protest groups over the statue led to one person being shot.
Bust of Christopher Columbus, Detroit, MI
One hundred ten-year-old bust pulled down by the city after protesters called for its removal. Pedestal still intact.
June 14
Statue of Thomas Jefferson, Portland, OR
One hundred four-year-old statue in front of Jefferson High School torn off its pedestal by unknown vandals, then spray-painted with BLM messages.
June 13
The Pioneer, Eugene, OR
One hundred one-year old statue dedicated to the pioneers, defaced, pulled down, and dragged across the campus
The Pioneer Mother, Eugene, OR
Matching statue to The Pioneer, dedicated to pioneer women, pulled down and defaced by protesters.
Bust of John McDonough, New Orleans, LA
Eighty-two-year-old statue of the entrepreneur and public-school donor, who owned slaves. Major advocate of manumission and return of enslaved workers to Liberia. The statue was toppled and thrown into the Mississippi by protesters.
Christopher Columbus Monument, West Orange, NJ
Dedicated on the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage, vandalized and will be soon pulled down by the city government as a “symbol of oppression and hate” following pressure from activists.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Middleton, CT
Donated by Italian American families in 1996, removed suddenly by the mayor after pressure from activists, future uncertain.
Stand Waitie Monument, Tahlequah, OK
Monument to the Cherokee leader and Civil War general on the side of the Confederacy. Pulled down by the Cherokee Nation, done to promote “healing” in the ongoing racial strife.
Stand Waitie Fountain, Tahlequah, OK
Nearby monument to the Cherokee leader and Civil War general on the side of the Confederacy. Also pulled down by the Cherokee Nation to promote “healing” of racial strife.
Confederate Soldiers Monument, Fort Worth, TX
Built during the ’50s, removed after reassessment by the city due to its construction during the Civil Rights movement.
Delaware Law Enforcement Memorial, Dover, DE
Dedicated to police killed in the line of duty, partially beheaded by protester with an ax, had urine-soaked state flags thrown at it.
Equestrian Statue of Caesar Rodney, Wilmington, DE
Century-old statue of Founding Father and Revolutionary War Veteran, owned slaves, removed by the city and “under debate.”
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Chula Vista, CA
Pulled down by city in anticipation of protest, fate currently unknown.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Columbia, SC
Pulled down by mayor and City Council after being vandalized multiple times.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Wilmington, DE
Pulled down by mayor to enable “discussion” under pressure from protesters.
June 11
Statue of Phillip Schuyler, Albany, NY
General in the Revolutionary War, father-in-law of Alexander Hamilton, owned slaves, removal ordered by the mayor for owning slaves.
Richmond Police Memorial, Richmond, VA
Dedicated to police killed in the line of duty, sprayed with red paint by protesters, taken down to be repaired.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, New London, CT
Ninety-year-old statue pulled down after being vandalized, and having thousands press the mayor to have it removed. Discussion planned in the future to decide what will be done with the removed statue.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Camden, NJ
One hundred and five-year-old statue pulled down under orders of the mayor following vandalism and directly prior to a planned protest. Pieces then stolen by protesters.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Boston, MA
Statue belonging to Italian-American neighborhood beheaded, then torn down by the city.
Gadsden Confederate Memorial
One hundred thirty-six year-old memorial to locals who were killed fighting for the Confederacy, removed after petitions, future uncertain.
Gloria Victis, Salisbury, NC
More than 100-year-old monument to Confederates killed in action, vandalized numerous times during protests over it, finally removed by city hall to be placed in a nearby Confederate cemetery.
June 10
Statue of Jerry Richardson, Charlotte NC
Monument to Carolina Panthers owner, torn down by team management before an attempt to destroy it by protesters. Richardson allegedly made sexist and racist remarks.
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Minneapolis, MN
Ninety-year-old statue torn down in broad daylight with ropes, despite Minneapolis Police Department’s awareness of what was happening.
Statue of Jefferson Davis, Richmond, VA
One hundred thirteen-year-old statue atop 65-foot column, pulled down by protesters as police stood by. The teardowns were encouraged by the mayor.
Confederate Monument, Jacksonville, FL
Large Confederate memorial, with collection of 122-year-old pillars and a statue. Vandalized with red paint, then removed by mayor under pressure from protesters alongside numerous other Jacksonville monuments. Removing the statue, and others like it, is “strongly opposed” by most Jacksonville residents.
Monument to the Women of the Southland, Jacksonville, FL
One hundred five-year-old monument to women during the Civil War promised to be torn down by the mayor.
Cemetery Grandstand for Confederate Soldiers
Ninety-four year-old grave marker to Confederate coldiers killed in action, promised by the mayor to be torn down.
Eight Historical Markers, 23 Informational Signs, and 53 Tree Signs, Jacksonville, FL
Among the historical landmarks the Jacksonville mayor promised to remove after pressure from protesters. Mostly markers of battle locations and sunken ships.
June 9
Statue of Christopher Columbus, Richmond, VA
Ninety-three year-old statue pulled down by protesters, then lit on fire, sprayed with red paint, then thrown in a lake. Rioters also assaulted a local journalist taking pictures of the iconoclasm.
Confederate Monument, Portsmouth, VA
One hundred twenty-seven year-old monument with four statues and an obelisk, sprayed with paint, beheaded, then toppled by protesters. One protester was severely injured by the falling statues.
Statue of Sam Davis, Nashville, TN
Relatively new statue of former student connected to the school pulled down by the administration. Sam Davis was famous for being executed by Union soldiers as a young man. The administration stated the statue was not racist, but it was concerned about it appearing that way.
June 8
Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Indianapolis, IN
One hundred eight-year-old memorial dedicated to 1616 Confederate prisoners of war who died in a Union prison camp. Initially placed in a cemetery but moved by Ku Klux Klan-affiliated city leaders to the center of town. Torn down by the city leaders in response to the protests.
Statue of John Breckinridge Castleman, Louisville, KY
Statue of the once-Confederate general. Known for his change of position on slavery later in life, becoming a proponent of equal rights, particularly during World War I. Severely vandalized, then removed by the city without public consultation, despite strong resistance from neighborhood art associations and locals.
June 7
Frank Rizzo Mural, Philadelphia, PA
Painted over by the city due to his pro-segregation past.
June 5
University of Kentucky Mural, Lexington, KY
Created in the 1930’s by the state government, criticized by activists for depiction of slavery. It was promised to be removed by the university, which has drawn anger from the artist, who said the artwork is not racist.
Statue of Orville Hubbard, Dearborn, MI
Statue to the long-serving mayor, who supported segregation. Torn down by the city after calls by protesters to have it removed.
Robert E. Lee Memorial, Roanake, VA
Memorial built in the 1960s by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Ordered torn down by city mayor after calls from residents.
Statue of Raphael Semmes, Mobile, AL
One hundred twenty year-old monument to a Confederate admiral. Ordered torn down by the town’s mayor after protests and vandalism, a decision contested by descendants of the original owners who claim the statue isn’t within the city’s rights to destroy.
June 4
Sacred Heart Statue, Wasco, CA
Statue of Jesus Christ in a Catholic Church, beheaded by known vandals then had its arms torn off.
One Riot, One Ranger, Dallas, TX
Monument to the Texas Rangers in Dallas Love Field Airport. Pulled down by the city because the statue’s model joined mobs trying to keep African Americans out of white schools following Brown v. Board of Education.
Statue of Frank Rizzo, Philadelphia, PA
After being vandalized by protesters, the statue was torn down at night by the city government.
Robert E. Lee Monument, Richmond, VA
One hundred thirty-seven year-old monument and statue covered in BLM graffiti in large protests, then promised to be removed by the city. Order delayed by area judge after concerns raised by citizens that removal will permanently damage the historic monument.
June 2
Athens Confederate Monument, Athens, GA
One hundred fifty year-old monument engraved with the names of Confederate soldiers killed in the Civil War. Following calls from protesters and vandalism, the city commission voted to remove it as a “public safety hazard.”
June 1
Statue of Thomas Jefferson, Birmingham, AL
Set afire as part of large-scale protests across the city.
Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Birmingham, AL
One hundred fifteen-year-old obelisk to Confederate soldiers. Following vandalism in the large-scale protests in the city, it was ordered torn down by the city’s mayor.
Robert E. Lee Bust, Fort Myers, FL
Monument built in the ’60s by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, removed by Sons of the Confederate Veterans in anticipation of protesters taking it down. Had been pulled down recently in the past.
Statue of Robert E .Lee, Montgomery, AL
Set in front of Robert E. Lee High School. A group of protesters tried and failed to pull it down, leading the mayor to say he will remove it. Protesters returned anyways later and pulled it down. Four, none of them students, were arrested on felony charges.
Bentonville Confederate Monument, Bentonville, AR
One hundred twelve-year-old statue to Confederate veterans. Following protests, city government pressure, and prior vandalism, the United Daughters of the Confederacy agreed to remove the monument and place it in a private park.
May 31
Statue of Charles Linn, Birmingham, AL
Statue of Alabama businessman who served as a captain for the Confederacy. Following a failed attempt to pull down a nearby Confederate monument, protesters used a truck and chains to tear down the statue then vandalize it.
Appomattox, Alexandria, VA
One hundred thirty-three year-old bronze statue commemorating local Confederate soldiers. Removed by its owners, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, to an unknown location following the protests.
May 30
Statue of Edward Carmack, Nashville, TN
Ninety-three year-old statue of famous journalist who once encouraged mobs to attack Ida B. Wells following her support for the civil rights movement. Torn down by rioters as part of widespread vandalism after curfew.
Even this list only captures a fraction of the phenomenon. As a walk around any major city will show, numerous monuments have been vandalized and damaged but not removed. As these rarely breached even the local news cycle due to the scale of events, they are impossible to totally record.
Do you have information regarding monuments that were not included on this list? Reach out to info@thefederalist.com.
Jonah Gottschalk is an intern at the Federalist. He studies Modern History and International Relations at the University of St Andrews.
Comments are closed.
