Do you remember the Confederate General Robert E. Lee? This is Harmony Circle, the roundabout in New Orleans, formerly known as Lee Circle. This place has a long, colorful history. Just imagine, it was once home to a towering bronze statue of the general. The monument was erected in 1884 by the Robert E. Lee Monumental Association. The roundabout itself had been named Tivoli Circle many years before that in 1807, after the famed Tivoli Gardens of Italy. For generations, the Lee statue stood proudly on its 60-foot-tall pedestal, a symbol of the Confederacy. But, things started to change.
It was the end of the 2010s and the social climate had shifted. During the summer of 2017 the city’s mayor, Mitch Landrieu, decided to remove the Lee statue and the city council agreed. They took down the monument along with three other Confederate memorials around the city. The public outcry was immense as people on both sides of this complex issue, debated, argued and even protested. The statue was removed and the circle became just the circle, an empty roundabout. The name Lee Circle had a legacy of its own, but it was decided to return to the original name of Tivoli Circle. However, the open space in the inner circle, the grass area where the monument stood, was given the new name Harmony Circle.
This spot on the map has been and still is a popular meeting spot, particularly during Mardi Gras parades. And now, Harmony Circle continues to welcome New Orleanians and visitors alike to this historic landmark. Although the monument is gone, the story of Lee Circle is still a significant part of the city’s past. As you stand here, and you can even see the outline of the pedestal’s base, you can feel the weight of the past and witness the city’s ongoing journey toward a more inclusive future. Enjoy this interesting place and just imagine: Standing on the pedestal, looking out over the city, the general may have had a different view of New Orleans than we have today.