Path Forward for Columbus Circle

Published on October 09, 2020

Dear City Colleagues:

Following decades of consideration and, at times, great controversy, Syracuse will embark on a new path forward for Columbus Circle in downtown Syracuse. The direction is chosen with reverence and respect for the stakeholders who have cared about the Circle, including the many Italian Americans who supported the creation of the Columbus monument in the early 1900s. It is also a decision based on my belief that we can celebrate the contributions of our forbearers without focusing on a statue that has become the source of division that overshadows its original intent.

With those considerations, I am announcing that the City will move forward with the steps in local and state law to remove the Columbus statue, the heads of Indigenous peoples of the Plains and the bas relief plaques and seek to have them moved to a private site. I am also committing that, continuing a tradition in place for nearly 90 years, Italian Americans will remain the focus of honor on the fountain and obelisk monument at the Circle.

In making changes to the Circle, it will become home to a year-round education and learning site that will also celebrate the contributions of Indigenous peoples and others in our community who have and are experiencing oppression. Historical information will be added at the Circle regarding the impacts of colonialism. The site will recognize the Onondaga Nation, our neighbors and the creators of Western democracy on whose ancestral land the City of Syracuse sits. Importantly, the site will also highlight the contributions of Black and Brown Americans, Italians and other immigrants to America and, more recently, New Americans.

I will appoint a commission to design the specific changes that will occur at the Circle. The plans developed must be reviewed and approved by the Syracuse Public Art Commission and the Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board. Because the Circle is part of an historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places, review by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of modifications will also be required.  I expect the process will unfold in the coming months.

I expect this decision will be met with a wide range of responses. Some will be pleased and others will be hurt. I want all to know, including my city colleagues, that I make this decision with a firm conviction that Italian Americans have a sustainable place of honor at a site that is also a place of beauty, healing and celebration for our entire community.  Thank you.

Ben Walsh
Mayor