DOVER, DE- The debate over Delaware's historical monuments is heating up as State Sen. Eric Buckson (R-District 16) introduces a resolution to relocate the Caesar Rodney Equestrian Statue to Kent County.
The statue, which stood in Wilmington's Rodney Square for nearly a century, was removed in 2020 amid racial justice protests following the death of George Floyd and has remained in storage ever since.
Now, Buckson wants it returned to public view, believing it belongs in Rodney's home county, where his historic midnight ride to Philadelphia began.
"Breaking the country's tie and leading us into independence from Great Britain is a story that needs to be told. The monument helps us tell it, and that's why I want to see it."
The resolution suggests several possible locations for the statue, including The Green in Dover, the John Dickinson Plantation, and Caesar Rodney High School.
However, not everyone agrees with Buckson's proposal.
Mike Brickner, Executive Director of the ACLU of Delaware, argues that the statue should remain in storage, pointing to Rodney's history as a slave owner.
"There's really no reason for us to have that statue back up in public space if it's just going to reopen those wounds people expressed in 2020."
Brickner also criticized the statue for glorifying Rodney's role in American independence while ignoring his history as a slave owner, which he feels presents a skewed version of history.
"When you see him on his great ride from Dover to Philadelphia, there's no context about his past, like being a slave owner, and why that might cause pain for some people."
Fleur McKendell, President of the Delaware NAACP, echoed these concerns in a statement to WBOC, saying, "We are not advocating for the erasure of history; but we are demanding that it be told fully and truthfully."
Community activist Chelle Paul also voiced her opposition, arguing that reintroducing the statue at this time would further divide the community.
"I think the statue in the city limits would actually create a bigger divide for the city."
Buckson, however, believes the timing couldn't be better, with the country's 250th birthday approaching in 2026.
"Having this statue in storage during the Semi-Quincentennial celebration—when, without Caesar Rodney, some would argue, we wouldn't be celebrating July 4th—does a disservice to his history."
Despite the pushback, Buckson remains committed to finding a new home for the statue.
This resolution does not specify a location but calls for the statue's return to public view.
Buckson hopes the 153rd General Assembly can work together to identify the most suitable place for what he sees as an important piece of Delaware's history.