A resolution which would remove a controversial Civil War marker was sent back to the Jefferson City Council on Wednesday so it can make a final decision about the marker's future.
The Committee on Administration, made up of five council members, discussed the marker and ultimately voted to move a resolution forward to the council that, if passed, would remove the marker.
The Sterling Price marker was dedicated in 1933 by the Winnie Davis Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and recognizes the "battle that never was," exactly 156 years ago.
The plaque reads: "Deciding against attack, the Confederate Army under Gen. Sterling Price turned from Jefferson City October 7, 1864."
In 1864, Confederate forces, led by Gen. Sterling Price, planned to attack Jefferson City to secure a possible victory and help turn the tide of the war, which at that point was leaning toward the Union, which eventually won.
Following several meetings of public comment, the city's Historic Preservation Commission recommended the marker be removed. The Commission on Human Relations also made the same recommendation to the council.
On Sept. 21, the council was set to vote on a resolution which would have removed the marker from the city's property. However, after some discussion, the council voted to remove the resolution and put the topic before the administration committee and the Public Works and Planning Committee.
On Wednesday, the administration committee voted 4-1 to move the same resolution back to the council for a vote. Ward 4 Councilman Ron Fitzwater voted against the resolution.
Fitzwater said he did not believe the majority of the public supported the removal of the marker.
"It's overwhelming in this community to either do nothing or put it in context," Fitzwater said. "But clearly the public does not support removing the marker."
Before the vote, he proposed an amended resolution that, instead of removing the marker, would add more markers at the location to bring context to the existing marker.
"There should be at least a marker about why this is here and what it represents, and if it takes a couple that's fine," Fitzwater said. "I think that gives all sides an opportunity to take a victory from this."
A common argument against the marker is it does not tell an accurate history of the non-battle. Fitzwater said he does not believe the plaque makes an inaccurate statement, and he is comfortable leaving it alone and adding potential context to broaden the history.
"It just says this event did not happen in our city, and in my thinking, that is a good thing," Fitzwater said.
His proposed amendment did not receive a second and died. The committee then voted on the original resolution, with Ward 3 Councilwoman Erin Wiseman, Ward 1 Councilman Hank Vogt, Ward 2 Councilwoman Laura Ward and Ward 5 Councilman Jon Hensley voting in favor, and Fitzwater voting against.
Regardless of the final decision made by the council, Fitzwater said having the discussion at all is good.
"We're talking about history," Fitzwater said. "We're talking about activities that have gone on in our community."
Discussions focused on more logistical issues like how the rock would be moved or where it could go will likely take place during today's Public Works & Planning Committee meeting. The committee meets at 7:30 a.m. today at City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St.
Members of the public are welcome to attend, but masks are required.
The final decision on the fate of the marker has not been made. The council will need to bring this resolution up for final vote at a future meeting.