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Kit Carson Removed from Pioneer Monument at Civic Center Park

Evan Semón
Rather than allow protesters to remove the sculpture, the city took action.
1/12

Evan Semón
The statue has stood on this downtown corner since 1911.
2/12

Evan Semón
Kit Carson was a compromise; the sculptor wanted to put a Native American chief on top.
3/12

Evan Semón
A statue dedicated to Columbus was removed from the park this week.
4/12

Evan Semón
At the Capitol across the street, the Civil War Monument was toppled.
5/12

Evan Semón
Kit Carson coming down from "Pioneer Monument."
6/12

Evan Semón
Kit Carson coming down.
7/12

Evan Semón
The city will store this piece of the sculpture.
8/12

Evan Semón
"Pioneer Monument" was commissioned in 1911.
9/12

Evan Semón
The city took down part of the statue on June 26.
10/12

Evan Semón
The top of the fountain is now empty.
11/12

Evan Semón
Bystanders cheered the removal of Kit Carson.
12/12
Kit Carson Removed from Pioneer Monument at Civic Center Park
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.
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.
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