Controversial statue will go from pedestal to ground level in Edwardsville city park – Belleville News-Democrat

Officials plan to eventually install a plaque to explain Ninian Edwards’ story, not only as the city’s namesake and a key figure in early Illinois politics, but also as a slave owner who led attacks on Native Americans. “While the City realizes the past cannot be erased, we can certainly learn from it and use history as a tool for improvements in the future,” Mayor Art Risavy said.