JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Confederate monument that once stood 30-feet high in historic downtown St. Augustine is now history after nearly 150 years.
“I thought it would be easier, I really did,” said Jill Pacetti, a direct descendant of one of the 46 confederate soldiers who are honored by the monument. “We’ve had a lot of emotions go from anger to grieving now,” Pacetti said.
Thursday,the monument is expected to be taken by barge to Trout Creek Fish Camp, which is about 18 miles away from St. Augustine.
Driving the monument, which weighs more than 100,000 pounds, would have required roadblocks and taking down power lines because of its height.
Instead, the barge will travel north to the Intracoastal Waterway, around Blount Island, and then back south on the St. Johns River to the Trout Creek Fish Camp -- about 77 miles by water and 12 to14 hours.
“Tomorrow we’ll wave it a farewell and wish it a good journey,” said Pacetti. “I’m sure it will get to its new home safely.”
In June, the St. Augustine City Commission voted to move the monument after it had stood at the Plaza de la Constitucion since 1872.
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