Since the removal of the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee more than two years ago, lots of names have been bandied about as a replacement. Among them two are gathering traction.
New Orleans Victory Circle supports remaking the circle into a monument to "honor all veterans of all wars". As the circle is less than 500 feet from the National World War II Museum, they see it being used to educate people about Gold Star Families, Purple Heart Recipients, former prisoners of war, and soldiers listed as missing in action. To see their page and sign the petition click here
More recently, a local movement is gaining attention to rename the circle in honor of Leah Chase. The effort is being championed by the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. Museum President Brent Rosen says "Ms. Leah has been a tireless champion for New Orleans' food and culture and has made an enormous impact on not just New Orleans, but the United States through her tireless commitment to civil rights and her work to uplift our communities. Chef Chase represents the best of New Orleans. Honoring Leah Chase with a statue would be a well deserved honor in the spirit of the Crescent City and its proud residents." Click here to access their signature page
Lee Circle was originally named Place du Tivoli, or Tivoli Circle. Officially, it still has that name while the monument is Lee Place within the circle.