SANTA FE, N.M. – A significant legal decision on Friday mandated the city of Santa Fe to reconsider the fate of a historic obelisk that was torn down by protesters on Indigenous Peoples Day in 2020. State District Judge Mathew Wilson decided that the city must remove the large wooden box that currently hides the remnants of the Soldiers’ Monument and make a decision on how to proceed with the structure within 180 days.
The obelisk, which stood in Santa Fe’s central plaza for over 150 years, became a flashpoint for cultural and racial tensions. Initially erected to honor New Mexico volunteers who fought for the Union during Civil War battles, it included a controversial inscription that celebrated victories over Native American tribes with derogatory language, which was physically removed from the monument in the 1970s.
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by Union Protectiva de Santa Fe, a local heritage group, which argued that the monument was protected under the state Prehistoric and Historic Preservation Act. The group contended that any alteration or removal of the obelisk should have involved the state Historic Preservation Office, which was not consulted, violating state law.
Union Protectiva’s president, Virgil Vigil, expressed relief and satisfaction at the decision, emphasizing the importance of preserving local history, culture, and traditions. He viewed the court’s ruling as a validation of these values against attempts to revise them.
Judge Wilson’s ruling also refrained from issuing directives regarding other monuments that have been subjects of contention, including a statue of Don Diego de Vargas and the Kit Carson monument, both of which have had their own histories of controversy and vandalism.
While the court has given the city several options for compliance, including consulting the Historic Preservation Office to possibly develop an alternative plan, it has also highlighted that simply appealing the decision would not exempt the city from taking immediate actions, such as removing the coverings around the monument.
Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber acknowledged the complexity of the situation and indicated plans to discuss the ruling further with the city council. He highlighted the need for a thoughtful approach to resolving the monument’s future in a way that aligns with community values and legal obligations.
Yet, this decision does not quell all community concerns. Christina M. Castro, co-founder of the Three Sister Collective, an Indigenous women-led advocacy group, voiced concerns about the implications of restoring the monument, suggesting it could exacerbate existing tensions in a city striving for inclusivity.
As the city contemplates its next steps, which could include an appeal, the intricacies of navigating historical preservation, legal mandates, and community healing remain at the forefront. This legal directive underscores the ongoing national debate about how communities reckon with historical figures and events that are a source of pride for some and pain for others.
The unfolding developments in Santa Fe reflect broader conversations across the United States regarding monuments and what they commemorate. This case serves as a poignant example of how history, law, and community values intersect in the public spaces that define our cities.
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