Marines

Why Americans celebrate Christopher Columbus as the discoverer of the “New World”

8 Oct 2004 | Cpl. Megan L. Stiner Marine Corps Base Hawaii

"In the year 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." A quote that is reminiscent of elementary school lessons regarding the discovery of America.

Although many believe Columbus Day is a holiday for rejoicing in the founding of the "New World." The truth is; America was already inhabited when Columbus landed on its shores.  Columbus simply introduced Europe to a nearly unpopulated area and enabled them to flourish and build the first settlements. 

Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451, the son of a wool merchant and a weaver.  His first sea bound expedition was at age 14.  After a shipwreck off the coast of Portugal in 1470, Columbus swam to shore and began his life there.

Over the next decade Columbus made countless voyages to places as far as Iceland and Guinea. But when he presented his idea of an "Enterprise of the Indies" to King John of Portugal, the king was not as inclined to support the young explorer.

Columbus then traveled to Spain to display his plans to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, who where more easily convinced in his abilities.

In 1492, Columbus set sail for the East Indies with full support from the King and Queen.  He sailed with 90 men aboard three ships, the ever-famous Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria.

Columbus intended to find a faster route to the Far East (Asia) in order to trade for valuable spices.  Instead he came upon North America, after sailing for five weeks. 

Once he arrived on North America, contact was quickly made with the local natives, which inhabited the area.  Six of them were taken back to Spain on that voyage to be taught to read and become slaves to the Europeans. 

The Europeans brought with them new ideas, plants, and animals would transform peoples' lives. Guns, tools made from iron, and weapons were introduced to the natives.

Christianity and Roman law quickly became the religion and decree in the area.  Sugarcane and wheat established the staple form of agriculture and horses and cattle were brought in to help with the work. The Europeans also carried diseases against which the Indian peoples had no defenses.  It wasn't long before the once barely populated continent was booming with new life and technology.

Columbus may not have found a quicker route as he had hoped, but his discovery did bring with it European settlement and culture.

Columbus made three additional trips back to the New World before his death in 1506 at age 55 in Valladolid, Spain, but none as productive, or as well known as his first voyage in 1492. 

Regardless of his course of action after discovery, the initial voyage he led was exceptional and extremely imperative in creating the first permanent European colonies in the New World.  Needless to say, the United States would not be what it is today without individuals such as Christopher Columbus.  

Cpl. Megan L. Stiner
Combat Correspondent

Marine Corps Base Hawaii