One year later, Denton County's Confederate monument draws closer to next chapter in controversial

[TexasTowelie]

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 monument’s 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 monument’s removal was already underway before the turn of the millennium. In 1999, a Denton Record-Chronicle reporter covered one man’s hourlong demonstration at the downtown Square, describing him as “undaunted” by his protest attracting more reporters than participants.

“It’s not a political statement to try to get notoriety or fame,” the man told the reporter. “It’s a conviction I have, and I still have it. I planned if no one else shows to be out here walking by myself.’’

Read more: 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)