Nov 20, 2019

112-year-old Confederate statue in N.C. is removed

Marisa Fernandez

Confederate flag hanging off a porch — Confederate flag. Photo: Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

A statue in Pittsboro, North Carolina, of a Confederate soldier was removed this week from where it stood in front of the city's courthouse for 112 years, Raleigh's News & Observer reports.

Why it matters: The private monument, owned by the United Daughters of Confederacy, caused a contentious divide over the past few years between those who protested its existence and those who wanted it left alone.

"The last several months have been a painful time for Chatham County. We've experienced high emotions, division and even violence which have impacted residents, businesses and the overall feel of our community."

— Mike Dasher, chairman of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, in a press release

The big picture: Many Confederate statues have been taken down nationwide.

Crews worked to "safely and respectfully dismantle" the statue in Pittsboro, which will be in the Winnie Davis Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy's possession until further decisions are made on where to put it.
Chatham County has a lengthy history of racism and violence, including the lynchings of at least six black people in the 19th and early 20th centuries, per the Chatham News and Record.

Yes, but: 65% of North Carolina residents say Confederate monuments should remain, according to a statewide survey from Elon University released on Wednesday.

Go deeper: Dozens of Confederate statues have been removed since the last "Unite the Right" rally

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112-year-old Confederate statue in N.C. is removed

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