The Stephen Douglas and Pierre Menard statues were removed from capitol grounds on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Springfield, ILL. The statue on the Illinois State Capitol grounds was voted to be removed as the former senator was noted for profiting off slavery. The board of Architect of the Capitol made the decision on Aug. 19. The Pierre Menard that was located on the grounds, was also removed because of a history of owning slaves. Talks have discussed the possibility of replacing the statues with a Martin Luther King Jr. statue that currently resides across the street from the capitol. (Jared Treece | @bisalo )
