Petitions are circulating in Alamance County to keep the statue of a Confederate soldier on the grounds of the county courthouse in Graham. Supporters say the monument is a symbol of heritage and history.
Local media outlets report about 1,500 people, many carrying Confederate flags, rallied at the courthouse Saturday to oppose calls to remove the monument that has stood for over 100 years.
Organizers say they have more than 6,500 signatures both online and on paper calling for the monument to remain. Petitions were being circulated during the rally, which was held in 90-degree heat.
Michael Graves, the president of Concerned Citizens of Alamance County, says the monument should be removed because it's s a symbol of slavery.
His plans to ask the county commissioners to have it removed sparked the rally by monument supporters.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.