SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Four years after an angry mob toppled the controversial monument at the center of the Santa Fe Plaza, a judge has said the city has to put it back. It comes after years of fierce debate over what to do with the obelisk known as the "Soldiers' Monument," as well as the site where it stood. Story continues below News: New Mexico woman who killed 2 in wrong-way crash sentenced to life in prison Crime: FBI offers reward for information on gunman who killed ABQ tattoo shop owner Travel: Albuquerque International Sunport offering flights to Angel Fire Community: Albuquerque man looks to inspire kids facing homelessness It was Indigenous Peoples Day in October 2020 when protesters brought down the monument in the middle of Santa Fe Plaza because it commemorated Civil War soldiers who fought Native Americans and bore a plaque referring to Indigenous People as "savages." Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber ordered the base to be hidden from view. The rest of the monument was placed in storage. The mayor created a commission to help guide how the city should move forward. However, to date, the city has not made any decisions. “When the city of Santa Fe ordered the removal of the Soldiers' Monument on the plaza, and after the vandalism that occurred when they made alterations to the monument, they did so without going through the proper channels of the State Historic Preservation Office,” said Attorney for Union Protectíva de Santa Fé Kenneth Statler. Now, a judge has sided with the local historical group, who sued to have the obelisk returned to its former state. That group, Union Protectíva de Santa Fé, argued the mayor violated state historic preservation laws and that the monument represents an important celebration of New Mexico's Spanish history and culture. “We knew from the beginning that the city was in the wrong but to have the court validate that and issue a ruling to that effect is wonderful,” said Statler. The order states the city must remove the wood around the obelisk within 30 days and the city has 180 days to re-build the monument. The mayor said the city will remove the wood around the statue, but the issue is still complicated. He said the city will ask the state for their opinion on how to meet the historical requirements while placing the monument in context, such as with an informational plaque. “I think we are all on the same page which is we'd like to continue to move forward with something that hopefully not only meets the judge's order but also takes into consideration the concerns and the serious interests that are in our community,” said Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber. The City of Santa Fe does have the option to appeal. Santa Fe City Council will meet to discuss how to move forward. Mayor Webber said they are already in the process of figuring out what it would take to rebuild the monument.