The Complex Legacy of Columbus Day
The concept of God’s “chosen ones” has been a recurring theme in American history, dating back to the Puritans, who aspired to be “like a city on a hill,” as John Winthrop put it in 1630.
Americans have long held onto the notion of being a new Israel, a selected people with the daunting task of being a light to the nations—this has been a central part of America’s foundational mythology.
When the nation celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, there was significant focus on the faith of the Puritans and Pilgrims, who were seen as pivotal in founding the country and fighting oppression during the American Revolution. Historians like Mark Knoll, George Marsden, and Nathan Hatch have noted that this narrative implies everything stemming from Christian actions and values. However, even many devout Christians have recognized that this portrayal of history is, at best, a revisionist perspective.
The truth is, early American history does not warrant being labeled as uniquely or primarily Christian—if one interprets “Christian” as reflecting biblical principles. This certainly doesn’t mean that Christian values weren’t influential; they were indeed present. The settlement of North America was intertwined with Christian beliefs and aspirations, and Christian principles shaped foundational documents of the United States.
Yet, a broader truth remains: while we are a religious nation, characterizing ourselves strictly as a Christian nation doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. There are inconsistencies, even when our forebears tried to embody Christian teachings. For instance, when you consider the Puritans, do you highlight their mission to establish biblical communities, or do you instead focus on their appropriation of Native American lands and their violent actions against Indigenous peoples?
This brings us to the dilemma surrounding Columbus Day, also recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day. This federal holiday marks Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. His ships—Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria—are nearly iconic. And who hasn’t heard the rhyme, “In 1492, Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue”? It’s considered the “discovery of America,” but what’s often overlooked is that Columbus’s arrival kicked off a wave of colonization by Spain, and subsequently other European nations, leading to the introduction of new species, cultures, and technologies.
This colonization also heralded the forced removal of Native Americans. Records from Columbus’s time indicate he exploited and enslaved Indigenous peoples, despite his sailing prowess.
Consequently, while it’s regarded as a federal holiday, many states opt for Indigenous Peoples Day instead. This movement first emerged in 1992 in Berkeley, California, and has since gained traction across numerous cities. In places like Columbus, Ohio, the focus has shifted to honoring veterans rather than Columbus himself. The backlash against Columbus Day often stems from recognition of the suffering endured by Native Americans due to westward expansion, while others oppose it from a nativist perspective, associating it with Catholic immigrant groups.
This Columbus Day, most Americans might not reflect deeply on Columbus’s legacy or the plight of Indigenous peoples. Many will likely enjoy a day off, perhaps attend a parade celebrating American and Italian heritage, or simply revel in a long weekend.
But perhaps, just maybe, there’s more to contemplate than the menu for the grill.
