In 2017, the statue was the focus of protests by supporters and opponents that got out of hand. A woman was killed when a right-wing extremist drove his car into a group of counter-protesters. View images of the riots here:
–
–
Civil War
Robert E. Lee was the Commander in Chief during the American Civil War (1861-1865). He held racist beliefs and fought for the Southern states that opposed the abolition of slavery. Hundreds of tributes to Robert E. Lee can be found throughout the United States, such as street names, statues, and even entire cities are named after him.
The statue of another general, Thomas Jackson, is also removed. Last month a resolution was passed in the city that allows the removal of the images.
–
–
Plans to remove the statue of General Lee had been around for some time. Former President Donald Trump was criticized at the time for showing understanding for right-wing extremist demonstrators.
–
–
