The Christopher Columbus statue, which stood in the market place on Avenue of the States in Chester for 66 years, was removed on Sunday. The statue had become a source of tension in the city after George Floyd was murdered by police in Minneapolis, reiterating protests against statues many say glorify racist or genocidal figures in American history.

Christopher Columbus Association riggers carefully wrapped the statue before lifting it on a crane and hauling it away on Sunday. The statue shows Christopher Columbus in 15th century clothing kneeling after landing in the western hemisphere. He holds a ball in his left hand and a flag on a pole in his right hand. Below the statue there are two bronze plaques on the marble plinth.