Arcata removes controversial McKinley statue that stood for century after surviving 1906 SF quake

This statue of William McKinley survived the 1906 earthquake and fire in San Francisco before it was moved to Arcata in Humboldt County. This statue of William McKinley survived the 1906 earthquake and fire in San Francisco before it was moved to Arcata in Humboldt County. Photo: Bill Disbrow/SFGATE Photo: Bill Disbrow/SFGATE Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Arcata removes controversial McKinley statue that stood for century after surviving 1906 SF quake 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

After years of contentious debate, an act of vandalism and a public vote, President William McKinley has lost his home at the center of Arcata Plaza in Humboldt County.

The 8 1/2 foot tall bronze statue of McKinley - forged in San Francisco - had stood watch over the picturesque college town's main square for over a century, but future drum circles and farmers markets will have to take place without homage to the 25th president.

McKinley's expansionist policies are now widely viewed as racist toward indigenous people. During his presidential tenure at the turn of the century, McKinley annexed tribal lands in the western U.S. and Hawaii in the name of Manifest Destiny.

ALSO: San Francisco quietly removes controversial 'early days' statue

A public vote on a measure to protect the state was voted down in Nov. 2018, allowing the city council to move forward with removal plans. The city confirmed that the statue is now gone via press release Thursday. Social media images captured the removal process.

Some photos from the city of #ArcataCA during the removal of the #McKinleyStatue. pic.twitter.com/yJco8KROJZ — 905KHSU (@905KHSU) February 28, 2019

"City staff continued with the statue removal process when a break in the rain occurred with a long enough window for it to be transported safely and at a time when Plaza businesses, parking and traffic would be least impacted," the city wrote.

City officials say the statue of the assassinated president was brought to Arcata after it was created in San Francisco and nearly ruined in the 1906 earthquake and fire. The community of McKinleyville, just north of Arcata, was named in honor of the former president.

Many locals reacting on the Lost Coast Outpost Facebook page cheered the removal, but others felt the change was no cause for celebration.

"It's sad to see history removed, even bad history has a good story to tell," wrote one commenter.

"Unfortunately, it's the squeaky little wheels that get greased," wrote another.

Last October, vandals threw an acidic substance at the statue, causing the discoloration that can be seen in photos.

Arcata is working with the City of Canton, Ohio - the site of McKinley's national memorial - to relocate the statue.

SFGATE's Michelle Robertson contributed to this report.