Denton County Commissioners Vote to Keep Confederate Statue on Courthouse Lawn, Add Historical Context

DENTON (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Denton County Commissioners approved a recommendation Tuesday to leave the Confederate monument in front of the downtown courthouse as long as historical context is added.

John Baines led the committee that made recommendation and said he’s proud of the 15 member group.

“The best job we could have done I think we did it. You know, of course, if you ask me ‘Did I get everything I wanted?’…no, I didn’t. Once again, that’s the lesson of comprise and the lesson of consensus,” he said.

County Commissioner Ron Marchant said he hopes the decision will unite the community but won’t be surprised if county leaders get some push back.

“You will still have those people who would have rather had the monument torn down. The naysayers out there who are still upset, even on this type of recommendation,” he said.

The county will now determine the logistics of adding a stone inside the monument’s arch with a statement denouncing slavery. They’re also planning on adding two educational kiosks.

One commissioner said he hopes the county has visible progress by summer.

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