Controversial Statue of President McKinley Sold in California, City of Canton to Become New Owner

Amid protests from groups that include Native Americans, a city in northern California has decided to remove a statue of 25th President William McKinley.

McKinley served with distinction in the Union Army in the Civil War and was the last Civil War veteran elected President.

During his first term, he led the U.S. to victory in the Spanish American War. McKinley was re-elected in 1900, but his second term ended in tragedy.

“He was one of four Presidents that was assassinated, so he literally gave his life for his country, and I think that`s important to remember,” said Kim Kinney, Executive Director of the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum in Canton.

Five years after he was assassinated, a statue of William McKinley was placed on a public square in Arcata, California.

Over the decades, opposition to President McKinley`s policies, especially from Native Americans whose ancestors were forced from their tribal lands, prompted some to call for the removal of the statue.

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The city of Canton, with funding from private foundations, has now reached an agreement with the city of Arcata to purchase the controversial statue for $15,000.

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Canton city officials are now considering a number of sites as the new home for the McKinley statue, including the Stark County Courthouse, where William McKinley argued cases while serving as the county prosecutor.

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Mayor Bernabei said private funds will be used to move the statue to Stark County, and to restore the monument. A committee will then decide the best place to display the statue.