Don Diego de Vargas Zapata Luján Ponce de León, El Marques de la Nava de Barcinas
"de Vargas statue"
The statue in 2016
SubjectDiego de Vargas
LocationSanta Fe, New Mexico, U.S.
Coordinates35°41′13″N 105°56′09″W / 35.686939°N 105.935789°W / 35.686939; -105.935789 until 2020

A statue of Diego de Vargas made by Donna Quasthoff was installed in 2007 at the west end of Santa Fe, New Mexico's Cathedral Park, in the United States. The statue was removed in June 2020.[1]

Controversy over storage

While the statue's fate is being debated, the statue was at the center of a controversy on where it has been stored and if it is being protected. In early February the statue was found in the backyard of a private residence home (which was not disclosed for privacy and safety concerns). [2] The mayor and city manager had been told that the statue was in a city facility. This has led to concerns that the statue was at risk of damage or vandalism.

Fate

The statue's fate is currently being determined. Supporters of removal see the statue as a celebration of Spanish colonization, while supporters of the statue say it is a celebration of Spain and Hispanic heritage. Former Santa Fe mayoral candidate Ronald Trujillo has expressed interest in the statue being donated back to the Caballeros de Vargas which would then display it on their own property. This request has been supported by multiple members of the city council. Councilman Chris Rivera stated, "I would be in favor of that, especially if we can't take care of it".[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Chacón, Daniel J. (2020-06-23). "De Vargas statue removed; overnight attempt to move Plaza obelisk fails". Santa Fe New Mexican. Archived from the original on 2020-07-14. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
  2. ↑ Thomas, Sean P. (15 February 2021). "Don Diego de Vargas statue found in backyard of home/business". Santa Fe New Mexican. Archived from the original on 16 February 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  3. ↑ Thomas, Sean P. (15 February 2021). "Don Diego de Vargas statue found in backyard of home/business". Santa Fe New Mexican. Archived from the original on 16 February 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
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