DENTON (WBAP/KLIF)- In just under 10 hours, crews were able to remove the 102-year-old granite Confederate Memorial on the property around the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square. The Confederate Memorial, removed for public safety reasons, is now in county storage. In the coming months, a committee will reconvene to review options on where to display the Confederate Memorial. The committee will recommend historical context to tell the history of slavery in America and its impact on the Civil War as well as a description of the African American experience related to the legacy of the Civil War. It will be relocated to another Denton County location within a year and will be reinterpreted for educational and historical purposes.
“There is an overwhelming sense that the deep consciousness of America has been touched by recent events as demonstrated by civil unrest across the country and vandalism and destruction of statues and monuments representing the broad spectrum of American history,” said Denton County Judge Andy Eads.
“For over one hundred years, this memorial has stood next to the courthouse and meant many things to many different people. To some, it is a linkage to our past heritage and to others it is a symbol of oppression. We have tried hard to thread the needle between these views: to honor sacrifice while respecting the
sensibilities of people who have approached the Denton County Commissioners Court in good faith. We intend to continue to do so,” he said.
“Our collective decision is not one taken lightly. However, in weighing the potential for further harm to our businesses, potential for harm to anyone who
might seek to destroy it and the law enforcement resources needed to protect it, we believe relocation is the right step.” 
A state antiquities permit application was submitted shortly after Commissioners Court unanimously agreed to remove and relocate the Confederate Memorial.
“In order to comply with the State Antiquities Code Application process, we believe it is important to follow their guidance in preserving history.”
