Look for a tall granite structure with a bronze soldier in a raincoat, boots, and hat holding a rifle-he’s perched high above, watching over you right in front of the State Capitol.
Now, imagine yourself over a century ago in 1909, when crowds gathered as the shiny new Soldier’s Monument was unveiled right here. This isn’t just any statue-it honors Civil War soldiers, and our bronze cavalryman stands alert, raincoat billowing, boots and spurs ready, gripping his trusty rifle and saber. He’s seen Denver transform all around him, sun, snow, and fancy festivals alike. But in 2020, something dramatic happened-a group of protesters toppled the statue, sending him off on an unexpected adventure, straight into storage! For a while, instead of watching over Capitol-goers, he took a little vacation to the History Colorado Center, earning a new crowd of museum fans. Where he finally lands is still up for debate; maybe he’ll return to guard Lincoln Park with other war heroes, or maybe he’ll mark another corner of this city’s ongoing story. From a proud dedication in 1909 to modern debates, this monument has seen it all-standing tall, then lying low, and now waiting for his next chapter.
