Confederate Statue Could Be Moved By End Of Year

The much-discussed – and vandalized -- Confederate soldier memorial in Rockville would be moved to a city park if a request made this week is approved by historic district officials.

General Services Director David Dise on Thursday wrote to Rockville city officials asking for permission to move the statue from the Red Brick Courthouse area to the Beall-Dawson Historic Park at 103 West Montgomery Ave. in Rockville, reports Montgomery Community Media.

Last week, the Rockville Historic District Commission approved the county’s request to move the statue from its current location. The city owns the Beall-Dawson property.

Confederate memorials have been the target of scorn after a man gunned down nine African-Americans in a Charleston, S.C. church last month. Dylan Roof posed with a Confederate battle flag in online photos and spoke of his desire for a new race war.

In July, the monument in Rockville was vandalized, with ”Black Lives Matter” and other graffiti spray painted on the base.

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Letter to Editor: Confederate Statue Unfit to Stand on Public Land

Confederate Monument Vandalized in Rockville

Removal of Confederate Memorials Weighed 150 Years After Civil War

If the city approves the move, Dise said the county would pay for the cost of relocation and perform any work needed for the monument’s permanent setting. The monument’s long-term upkeep and maintenance would be the responsibility of the city of Rockville.

Dise is asking the city for permission to proceed by Oct. 8 and hopes that if approved, the monument could be relocated by the end of the year.