BREAKING: The Colorado Legislature has finalized plans to remove the last “On Guard” Civil War monument from the Capitol, replacing it with a memorial to the Sand Creek Massacre and the land’s original inhabitants. This decision, announced just moments ago, marks a significant move in addressing Colorado’s complex historical narrative.
The statue, created by Union Army veteran Captain John “Jack” Howland, previously honored Colorado soldiers who fought in the Civil War. However, its legacy has been marred by the tragic events of November 29, 1864, when Colonel John Chivington led a brutal attack on a peaceful Arapaho and Cheyenne camp, resulting in the deaths of over 200 men, women, and children. A Congressional investigation later classified it as a massacre, not a battle.
The monument, which had been vandalized during protests in 2020, currently resides at History Colorado, covered in graffiti as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for historical accountability. In 1999, an explanatory plaque was added below “On Guard” to acknowledge the controversy surrounding it, stating, “the controversy surrounding the Civil War Monument has become a symbol of Coloradans’ struggle to understand and take responsibility for our past.”
On Veterans Day, the empty space at the Capitol will soon transform into a place of remembrance for those lost at Sand Creek. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper previously issued an official apology to the descendants of the massacre victims in 2014, further emphasizing the need for recognition and reflection.
As the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs prepares to take possession of the statue and its granite base, officials are calling for community support. A fundraising effort aims to raise $50,000 by December 31 to ensure that the new memorial adequately honors those who suffered.
This monumental shift in Colorado’s public spaces signifies more than just a change in location; it represents a broader movement toward confronting and reconciling with painful historical truths. The state is poised to set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar issues.
The ongoing discussions at the History Colorado Center surrounding the statue reflect a growing desire among residents to engage in meaningful dialogues about the past. As this story develops, all eyes will be on Colorado as it navigates its historical legacy and strives for healing.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation.
