Dover, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The presence of spray-painted graffiti was found on the Confederate Monument of Fort Donelson National Battlefield on the morning of Wednesday, June 10.
Several Civil War monuments have come under scrutiny across the nation, amidst protest over racial injustices. In Southern states, statues dedicated to the Confederacy often serve as an offensive reminder to Black Americans and many others of America’s history of slavery and racial oppression.
The National Park Service is looking into the incident and has arranged for a monument preservation expert from another national battlefield to lead in the safe and appropriate removal of the graffiti, according to a news release.
According to Fort Donelson Superintendent Brian McCutchen, “Upon discovery, we took action to stabilize the damage and make arrangements for a monument specialist to safely remove the graffiti in a manner consistent to National Park Service policy and preservation standards.”
The preservation specialist is intended to arrive in the next three days in order to appropriately and safely remove the graffiti from the monument and the surrounding pavement.
“We have received offerings from those wishing to volunteer to clean the monument.” McCutchen added, “Such interest is appreciated. However appropriate conservation treatments are required for the safe cleaning of the historic marble and bronze.”
The monument area will reopen to visitor access once the cleaning is complete.