Kit Carson Removed from Pioneer Monument at Civic Center Park

Evan Semon June 26, 2020 15:53PM

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Rather than allow protesters to remove the sculpture, the city took action.

Denver commissioned "Pioneer Monument," a statue commemorating the state's early days, over a century ago. The piece comprises four main sculptures — the Hunter, the Prospector, the Pioneer Mother and, on top, Kit Carson on horseback. Sculptor Frederick MacMonnie's original design had a Native American chief atop the fountain, but citizens protested; Carson was the compromise. But because he's since become a controversial figure, city crews removed the Carson portion of the statue on June 26 for safekeeping.