BREAKING: The Colorado Legislature has officially replaced the controversial “On Guard” Civil War Monument with a new memorial dedicated to the victims of the Sand Creek Massacre. This landmark decision, confirmed just moments ago, reflects Colorado’s ongoing commitment to acknowledge and take responsibility for its historical injustices.
The Civil War statue, created by Captain John Howland, a Union Army veteran, had been a source of contention for years. It commemorated Colorado soldiers but became emblematic of a broader struggle to confront the state’s dark past, particularly the events of November 29, 1864. On that day, Colonel John Chivington led a brutal attack on a peaceful Arapaho and Cheyenne camp, resulting in the deaths of over 200 individuals, including women and children.
Despite being labeled a massacre by a Congressional investigation, the fight for recognition and accountability has persisted. In 1999, in response to the descendants of those killed, an explanatory plaque was installed beneath the monument, stating that the controversy surrounding it was a reflection of Coloradans’ struggle to understand their history.
In a significant move, then-Governor John Hickenlooper issued a formal apology in 2014 on the 150th anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre, initiating plans for a memorial to honor the victims.
The “On Guard” statue had been removed from its position at the Capitol following vandalism during protests in May 2020, leaving a stark emptiness in front of the building. The bronze figure, now displayed at History Colorado, serves as a reminder of the past, with its graffiti-covered surface inviting public discussion about its meaning and impact.
As part of the transition, the base of the monument, a mammoth granite cube, has been excavated and will also be relocated to the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This change marks a new chapter in Colorado’s commitment to recognizing its original inhabitants and those who suffered at Sand Creek.
The space in front of the Capitol will remain vacant for now, but plans are underway to honor the victims on Veterans Day, ensuring that the memory of those lost will not fade. Colorado’s journey towards reconciliation continues, as this pivotal moment highlights the importance of reflection and recognition in shaping a more inclusive future.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
