Christopher Columbus, also known as “the man who discovered America” or “the man who DID NOT discover America” is commemorated in Central Park for his arrival in the Americas. This sculpture/statute was made for people ”to gain religious and imperialist imagery as the explorer holds in his right hand the Spanish flag with a cross on top.” As we were taught in grammar school, Christopher Columbus discovered America. But once we reached High School we learned this was all false, he didn’t discover America. He landed in many different Caribbean islands which are now known as the Bahamas and Hispaniola. Columbus explored much of Central and South America but never reached North America. Not to mention, the Native Americans were already settled in North America. So how could he have “discovered” America if he wasn’t the first one here? My thoughts on this commemoration are negative. I personally do not think Columbus should be “praised” for coming to Central America and claiming he discovered it when that was clearly not the case.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/10/14/christopher-columbus-3-things-you-think-he-did-that-he-didnt/