Columbus Day Reflection

Kara Christian

Columbus Day Reflection Essay

Growing up, mainly in elementary school, teachers had only a little to say about

Christopher Columbus compared to the plethora of information out there. They would simply say

“Christopher Columbus was the man who discovered America” or “In 1492, Columbus sailed the

ocean blue”. Therefore, the adventure-loving child that I was viewed Columbus as a hero of

sorts. He braved the unknown and doubt of people to make a huge discovery. However, in my

American history classes in high-school and now, in college, more information has been shoved

into my hands and I don’t really know what to think. Columbus, the hero from the adventure,

now has a blight in his story.

With the arrival of the English to the Americas came disease and therefore, depopulation.

However, I do not believe that Columbus’ intention was to spread disease to the people he found.

I mean, we don’t have any record of Columbus and his men walking up to the first natives they

saw and sneezing on them. No, the reason for Columbus’ expedition was to seek treasure and

find another sea-route to trade with India. I understand that some people see the wrong in

celebrating Columbus Day. Columbus’ arrival in the Caribbean and exploration of Central and

South America began a long string of tragic consequences that forever changed the Americas and

the Native peoples that lived there.

I’m not having trouble accepting this information surrounding the arrival of Columbus

and the effects that came after because they are historical facts. Despite the tragedy and death

that were a result of Columbus’ arrival, I still feel like he should be honored and remembered for

his intelligence and his bravery to sail “the ocean blue”. The success of his expedition, the fact

that two worlds were now connected (despite the consequences that followed), and Columbus’

ingenuity is what I believe should be the true meaning behind Columbus Day.