BOISE -- The Mississippi state flag no longer flies among the state flags outside Boise City Hall because it includes the Confederate emblem.
Some say they are pleased with the mayor's decision, while others disagree.
"I think it was smart and sensitive, not only from a political standpoint, but also culturally," said Jamie Dillon who lives in Boise.
"From a state flag standpoint it's a little awkward because you are removing one specific state's flag," said Boise resident Terrance Groth.
But because of a national controversy surrounding the Confederate flag, Mayor Dave Bieter had the Mississippi flag removed from city hall.
"The mayor felt it was important that the flag being taken down," said Boise spokesman Mike Journee.
He says given the national debate the mayor doesn't believe the flag aligns with Boise's welcoming reputation.
For many the flag is a symbol of southern history and pride. But for others, it is a reminder of segregation and racism.
However, the confederacy is actually a large part of Idaho's history.
The town of Emmett was named after a Boise confederate soldier's son -- Emmett Lee.
Steve Barrett with the Idaho State Archives showed us photos of Alturas County in the late 1800s, which is now Blaine County. Back then Hailey, Idaho was home to a large population of Confederate gold miners.
At one time, there was an Idaho town named Leesburg, and, of course, there is still Atlanta, Idaho. Both were named by transplanted southerners.
"This is a just a big example that brings to the fore the connections between what happened 150 years ago and what is happening right now," said Barrett. "Just two days ago I was on Broadway and saw a pickup truck going up Broadway with two flags, flying full-sized flags, so at least two-feet by three-feet, one on each end of the bed of the truck -- one American flag and a full-sized Confederate flag flying on the other."
Still, the decision to bring down the Mississippi flag is one the mayor likely won't take back.
"Although it's a cultural icon, I think what it stands for probably, something we don't need to continue to hang around the capitols," said Groth.
Some critics wondered -- if you are going to take down one flag, why not remove them all?
The city's response -- there is only one that has the Confederate battle symbol.
