Commission takes first steps in relocation of Confederate Veterans Memorial
HUNTSVILLE – The Confederate Veterans Memorial on Courthouse Square in Huntsville may soon be headed to a new home. Erected in 1905 by the Daughters of the Confederacy, the statue has been the source of frustration for people who now view it as celebrating a painful past.
The Madison County Commission unanimously passed a resolution submitted by Commissioner JesHenry Malone to take the first steps in relocating the statue. It directs Madison County Chairman Dale Strong to investigate options for its relocation and to petition the Committee on Alabama Monument Protection for a waiver on the current limitations on relocation.
According to state law, “No monument which is located on public property and has been so situated for 40 or more years may be relocated, removed, altered, renamed, or otherwise disturbed.”
Madison County and Huntsville leaders are hoping the state will make an exemption if an alternate location is found where the statue can accessed by the public and preserved.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and City Council President Devyn Keith released statements of cooperation after the Commission’s decision.
“The City of Huntsville pledges to work hand in hand with the Madison County Commission to help them find a suitable home for the monument in an appropriate historic context,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.
“I am proud of the actions taken by the Madison County Commission to begin the process of relocating the statue. I am introducing a resolution in support of this effort at Thursday night’s City Council meeting,” added Huntsville Council President Devyn Keith.
