Denton Co. deciding what to do with Confederate monument

DENTON, Texas - Denton County leaders discussed on Tuesday what to do with a Confederate monument in Denton Square.

The monument debated honors Confederate soldiers and was commissioned by the Daughters of the Confederacy 99 years ago.

Denton County Judge Mary Horn said she initially just suggested a dialogue about adding a plaque to provide better clarification of the Confederate monument’s history and the possibility of a committee to address that issue. But during a public input session on Tuesday, people voiced their opinions about their support or opposition of the statue itself.

"I'm proud of my history,” one woman said. “I may not agree with everything Colonel Jan did or said but I’m proud of my history, proud of our history."

"Monuments like these don't honor my ancestors never did,” another man said. “They don't honor anything except an illusion of the south that never existed. When I see this statue still standing I feel nothing but shame.”

In July, the same monument was vandalized with the words “This is Racist” painted on the very top of the structure. Only dark shadows were caught on surveillance video. Since then county leaders have installed new cameras.

Horn said there is perhaps a need for more than one committee to address the initial clarity issue and a potential plaque -- but also the debate surrounding the monument’s existence. She and each county commissioner would be encouraged to make recommendations for members to make up the committee or committees.

There is no date set for the next step in the process.