BREAKING: The Colorado Legislature has officially approved the removal of the controversial “On Guard” Civil War Monument from the state Capitol, making way for a new memorial dedicated to the victims of the Sand Creek Massacre. This significant decision was confirmed just moments ago, underscoring the state’s commitment to confront its historical injustices.
The monument, a bronze statue honoring Colorado soldiers who fought in the Civil War, has sparked intense debate over its historical implications. The Sand Creek Massacre, which occurred on November 29, 1864, saw Colonel John Chivington lead a brutal attack on a peaceful encampment of Arapaho and Cheyenne, resulting in the deaths of over 200 individuals, including women and children. This event is recognized as one of the darkest days in Colorado’s history.
Officials emphasize that the removal of the statue represents a crucial step towards acknowledging and taking responsibility for the state’s past. A plaque was added in 1999 to address the community’s concerns about the monument, stating that “the controversy surrounding the Civil War Monument has become a symbol of Coloradans’ struggle to understand and take responsibility for our past.”
In a public apology issued in 2014, former Governor John Hickenlooper addressed the descendants of the massacre’s victims, promising to create a memorial that honors their history. The new memorial will reflect on the first inhabitants of the land and those who lost their lives at Sand Creek.
The statue, which has been vandalized and is currently displayed at History Colorado, will soon be transferred to the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on a long-term loan. The base of the statue, recently excavated after being covered for five years, is also set to move to the same location.
As the state prepares for Veterans’ Day, discussions around the legacy of this monument are expected to intensify. Community leaders and historians are actively engaging the public, collecting comments on the significance of the statue and its impact on Colorado’s collective memory.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and join the conversation about the importance of recognizing history while seeking justice for past atrocities.
