Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer from Genoa, made four transatlantic voyages funded by Spain in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. These voyages marked the beginning of significant European exploration and colonization of the Americas. His expeditions were the first documented instance of European contact with the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, establishing a pivotal link between Europe and the New World.
1909: Relocation of Chapel from Spanish Castle
In 1909, a 16th-century chapel, said to have been owned by Diego Colón and inhabited by Columbus's descendants, was moved from a Spanish castle to the Boal estate in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania.
1913: Proposal for Remains to Travel Through Panama Canal
John Eugene Osborne, a physician and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, proposed in 1913 that the remains attributed to Christopher Columbus travel through the Panama Canal for its opening ceremony.
1951: Establishment of the Boal Mansion Museum
The Boal Mansion Museum, established in 1951, houses a collection related to Christopher Columbus's descendants, including the relocated 16th-century chapel and a collection of documents.
1960: Challenge to the Columbus Discovery Myth
Edmundo O'Gorman, in his 1960 monograph, challenges the notion of Columbus "discovering" America, arguing that the concept is a misleading legend popularized by Washington Irving. He posits that this Eurocentric view perpetuates systems of domination.
1992: Proposal for "Encounter" Over "Discovery"
Félix Fernández-Shaw, in a 1992 article, proposes using the term "encounter" instead of "discovery" to describe the meeting of the Old and New Worlds. He argues that "encounter" is a more inclusive term that acknowledges the role of Native Americans.
1992: Relocation of Remains to Columbus Lighthouse
Remains attributed to Christopher Columbus were moved to the Columbus Lighthouse in Santo Domingo Este in 1992, after previously being housed in the Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor.
June 2003: DNA Analysis of Remains in Seville
In June 2003, DNA samples were taken from remains believed to be Christopher Columbus's, his brother Diego's, and his son Fernando's. The analysis suggested the bones might not match Columbus's physique, but DNA from the remains matched Diego's, indicating a shared maternal lineage.
2006: New Theories on Columbus's Health and Heritage
In 2006, Dr. Frank C. Arnett and historian Charles Merrill proposed that Christopher Columbus suffered from reactive arthritis, possibly contracted during his voyages. Merrill also suggested Columbus might have had Catalan Jewish ancestry.
2006: Discovery of Testimony Copies Against Columbus
Isabel Aguirre, an archivist, uncovered incomplete copies of testimonies against Christopher Columbus and his brother Bartholomew in 2006. The testimonies were part of an inquiry led by Francisco de Bobadilla in Santo Domingo in 1500.
2017: Donation of Columbus's Letter Copies
In 2017, the University of Miami library received two early copies of a letter written by Christopher Columbus about his first voyage. The copies were donated by the Jay I. Kislak Foundation.
2020: Removal of Columbus Monuments
Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and subsequent protests, many public monuments of Christopher Columbus were removed due to his controversial legacy.
2020: New Genetic Analysis and Impact on Population Estimates
Genetic analysis in 2020 suggested that pre-Columbian population estimates for Hispaniola might have been significantly overestimated. The analysis, combined with historical data, highlighted the devastating impact of disease, warfare, and enslavement on the native population after Columbus's arrival.