1. Symbol of Exploration and New Beginnings
Columbus was widely viewed as the first European to "discover" the Americas (despite others like the Vikings reaching the continent earlier), and his voyages symbolized exploration, courage, and new possibilities. For the United States—a young nation breaking from Britain and establishing its own identity—Columbus symbolized a fresh start in a new world.
2. Unifying Figure for National Identity
The United States was composed of diverse colonies with varying cultures, languages, and religious beliefs. By celebrating Columbus, the new nation could adopt a figure who predated the colonial rivalries and divisions, offering a shared symbol that could unify Americans under a common historical narrative.
3. Anti-British Sentiment and Search for Non-British Heroes
In the post-Revolutionary War era, Americans wanted to distance themselves from British heroes and symbols. Columbus, an Italian who sailed under the Spanish flag, provided a non-British figure for Americans to honor, aligning with the country’s desire for unique national symbols distinct from British history.
4. Italian and Catholic Representation
As Italian and Catholic communities grew in the U.S., Columbus became an important cultural figure for Italian Americans, symbolizing their place in American history and culture. For many Catholics in a predominantly Protestant country, Columbus was celebrated as a Catholic hero whose achievements contributed to the broader American story, which was particularly meaningful to those who faced religious discrimination.
5. Nineteenth-Century Nationalism and “Columbian” Celebrations
The 19th century saw a revival of interest in Columbus as nationalism grew in the U.S. This led to numerous tributes to Columbus, such as the naming of the capital city (Washington, D.C. was originally known as the "City of Washington in the Territory of Columbia") and celebrations like the Columbian Exposition in 1893, commemorating the 400th anniversary of his first voyage.
6. The Myth of Manifest Destiny
Columbus’s image became associated with the idea of "Manifest Destiny," or the belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. Celebrating Columbus reinforced this narrative, portraying European settlement as part of a grand, inevitable, and even noble project that aligned with the country’s growing expansionist ambitions.
Overall, Columbus became a convenient symbol for a young nation looking to define itself, promote unity, and create a heroic narrative around exploration and new beginnings, despite the controversies surrounding his legacy today.
