The state has reached an agreement with the city to remove the 40-foot-high granite pedestal on which the statue of Lee has sat for more than a century. The statue itself – one of the largest remaining historical Confederate statues in the United States – was removed in September, about a year after Northam announced its intention to remove it amid protests for racial justice.
“This land between Richmond, and the Richmonders will determine the future of this space,” Northam said. “The Commonwealth will be removing the pedestal, and we anticipate a safe removal and a successful end to this project.”
The state is expected to begin the process of removing the pedestal on Monday, according to the statement. Once the pedestal has been disassembled, the state plans to partially store the monument “until next steps are determined.”
The statue of Robert E. Lee in Richmond was completed in 1890, according to National Park Service.
Northam also solves 134 years old time capsule is said to be mounted in a giant pedestal. If the capsule is found, Northam said “it will remain under Commonwealth control and will be removed for safekeeping.”
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