Some controversial monuments in New Orleans are being taken down.

FOX's Tonya J. Powers has more:

The first of four prominent Confederate monuments scheduled for removal in New Orleans is now down... Taken away in pieces early this morning.

The Liberty Monument, which commemorates whites who tried to topple a biracial post-civil war government in the city, was removed overnight in an attempt to avoid disruption from supporters who want the monument to stay.

The majority black city council voted in 2015 to approve plans to take the statues down, but legal battles kept it from happening until now.

Some city officials say they've gotten death threats over the matter.

People who want the monuments removed say they are offensive, but others call them part of the city's history and that they should be protected.

Tonya J. Powers, FOX News.

Follow Tonya J. Powers on Twitter: @TonyaJPowers