Syracuse Columbus Statue is One Step Closer to Removal

By Tyler O’Neill

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The city of Syracuse can now remove the Christopher Columbus statue in downtown Syracuse without the permission from the State Historic Preservation. This change brings the removal process even closer to completion.

A review by the State Historic Preservation Office was required due to the Circle being a historic district in the National Register of Historic Places, but now the city has ended its agreement with them and no longer needs their approval

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said in October he wants to remove the statue because it has been a source of division. Walsh says the site will still honor Italian Americans, just without the divisive statue.

Some students say they agree with the Mayor’s decision to remove the statue.

“I think that he should remove the statute I do not think it is necessary to have anymore. I think adding that learning center will be an amazing education opportunity for a lot of people,” said Mikayla Voorn, a Syracuse University freshman. 

The walk sign is now on to cross the street and see the statue but it will not be that way for long

The site of the 87-year-old statue will not like this in the coming months. The mayor proposed replacing the statue with a year-round education and learning site that would teach about the impacts of colonialism.

Other students say they like how the new learning center will still honor Italian americans.

“A lot people, when the news came out were pretty upset about it and a lot of them were Italian Americans, but the fact that he is putting a structure in place of that for them is very important,” said Talha Rao, a Syracuse University graduate student.

The Mayor said he would create a commission that would oversee the project. We will have to keep an eye out for that commission and the next steps they take to reimagine the circle.