Lexington mayor asks board to review historic markers, including statues of Confederate officers

Historic markers located downtown

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 8, 2015) — Lexington Mayor Jim Gray today asked the Urban-County Arts Review Board to review the placement and presentation of two historical statues and a historical marker in Cheapside Park.

The statues are of two Confederate officers, John Hunt Morgan and John C. Breckinridge. The historical marker provides information about slavery in Lexington.

“Our goal is to respect our authentic history, while also respecting diversity and inclusion,” Gray said. “We are adapting and adjusting to current times, current issues and current challenges.”

The Urban-County Arts Review Board was established in 2004 to review proposals for visual artwork in public spaces, including but not limited to memorials, monuments and lighting projects, and for aesthetic opportunities.

Gray asked the board to gather input from citizens, civil rights leaders, historians and artists.