“Heroes or villains?” That’s the question that swirls around the Civil War Monument in Denver. This monument isn’t just a statue. It’s a conversation starter.
The Civil War Monument, originally near the Colorado State Capitol, depicts a Union Army soldier. Jack Howland, a Civil War veteran himself, designed it. Dedicated on July 24, 1909, it honored Colorado soldiers.
The bronze sculpture shows a soldier in a raincoat and hat. He holds a rifle and has a sheathed saber. The statue stood on a granite base. For many years, it stood as a symbol of the Union’s victory.
But there’s a twist in the tale of the Civil War Monument. The monument’s history is complicated. Some of the soldiers it honored also participated in the Sand Creek Massacre. This brutal attack on a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho village involved the killing of more than 150 people, mostly women and children.
The original monument listed Sand Creek as a battle. This sparked controversy. It led to the addition of a plaque explaining the massacre. The plaque acknowledged the tragedy and the protests against the monument’s initial portrayal of Sand Creek.
In 2020, amid protests against racial injustice, the statue was toppled. It was later removed and placed in storage. The Civil War Monument made a temporary reappearance at the History Colorado Center. Its permanent fate is still being debated.
The Civil War Monument’s story shows how history can be complex and contested. It reminds us to consider all sides of a story. It encourages dialogue about difficult past events.
Today, the Civil War Monument serves as a reminder of Colorado’s involvement in the Civil War. It prompts reflection on the complexities of that era. The Civil War Monument also encourages us to grapple with the legacy of the Sand Creek Massacre. It stands as a symbol of the ongoing struggle to understand and take responsibility for our past.