LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A controversial statue that was removed from Cherokee Triangle is back in the spotlight after a motion to have it reinstalled is filed.
John B. Castleman was one of the fathers of the Louisville parks system but also fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War. The monument was one of many tossed into a national debate regarding Confederate statues.
During a court hearing Monday, an attorney for Friends of Louisville Public Art, Steve Porter, asked the city for Castleman's statue to be reinstalled and to pay for the plaintiffs' attorney fees.
"He was a fine citizen for the city of Louisville for over 50 years and we think the redemption for any minor mistake he made as a 19-year-old," Porter said.
Castleman's statue was placed in storage in 2020 after it was repeatedly vandalized during protests surrounding the death of Breonna Taylor.
The city's Landmarks Commission voted to remove the statue and eventually move it to Cave Hill Cemetery, where Castleman is buried.
Friday, the defense attorney asked for more time to make a decision.
Porter adds the city only has two options: reinstall the monument or file a certificate to remove it.
"The statue should go back because the decision to remove it was reversed. My guess is the city is going to try to delay it and push it around," he said.
On May 18th, the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled last month that the statue was improperly removed.
The city has until June 1, 2023, to respond to Friends of Louisville Public Art's motion. Then attorneys from both sides are set to appear in court again on June 21st.
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