"I think this provides our state an opportunity to bridge divides," Hutchinson told the Associated Press (AP). He has vowed since early last year to make the change, and has presented it as part of his agenda for the legislative session which began last week.
Arkansas has celebrated Lee's January 19 birthday since 1947, and King's January 15 birthday since 1983. In 1985, the legislature voted to combine the holidays.
Lee remains one of the most magnetic figures of the Civil War. He chose to fight for the Confederacy despite his personal desire for the country to remain intact, and despite a tempting offer from the Union's military. His prowess kept the South in the war far longer than expected, and earned undying respect among both North and South.
Nevertheless, there has been a nationwide re-evaluation of monuments and symbols from the Civil War and the Confederacy in particular. After the 2015 shooting at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, pundits started attacking the Battle Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia, commonly known as the "Confederate Flag."