Erasing history.
Via AL Com
More than 150 years ago, a group of Confederate soldiers retreating from New Mexico territory took a stand in Albuquerque, encountering Union forces in the last days of the Civil War. The skirmish, known as the Battle of Albuquerque, is a part – albeit a small one – of Civil War history and one that the Old Town Albuquerque area capitalized on as tourist attraction.
Now, following in the steps of many states that were once part of the Confederacy, Albuquerque has decided to remove the banner from its historic area. Mayor Richard Berry opted to remove the flag earlier this week after meeting with African-American leaders. Four other flags – Spain, Mexico, American and state of New Mexico – will remain.
“We should never ignore our history but we should also recognize and display our history in a way that is respectful to all those who it represents,” Berry said. “By striking this balance, it is my hope that we can work through this debate as a community and build a strong foundation for future discussions of importance to us all.”
The issue in Albuquerque, however, wasn’t the more recognizable Confederate battle flag but the Stars and Bars banner, the first official flag of the Confederacy. The flag has seven stars on a blue background next to red and white stripes. Those seven stars represents the original Confederate states of South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas.
The replica cannons and plaques that accurately describe the battle – actually nothing more than a brief artillery exchange – will remain in place. Those plaques that are biased or inaccurate, the mayor said, will be removed.