| October 10, 2016 is...
Columbus Day
Christopher Columbus is credited as the discoverer of the New World on October 12, 1492, which was 524 years ago. To honor his accomplishments, Columbus Day in the United States is celebrated on the second Monday of October, which falls this year on October 10. Through the centuries controversies have arisen where many researchers and historians have debated the accuracy of such acclamation thus leaving this holiday questionable.
This Day in History: Columbus Reaches the New World
Columbus did sail across the Atlantic but was he the first?
More accurately he was the first European to explore the Americas SINCE the Viking explorers from Scandinavia set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland in the 10th century. In addition, the land was already populated by indigenous peoples, who had 'discovered' the Americas thousands of years before.
As a result, not all parts of the United States celebrate Columbus Day. It is not a
public holiday in some states such as California, Oregon, Nevada and
Hawaii. Moreover, Native Americans’ Day is celebrated in South Dakota, while Indigenous People’s Day is celebrated in Berkeley, California.
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The Nina = The Most Historically Accurate Replica
of a Columbus Ship Ever Built
Regardless who was first, the voyage across the Atlantic was not aboard a luxury ocean liner nor speedily like a jet plane.
'Twas not an easy or pleasant voyage across raging perilous seas. Ferocious winds, tormenting waves crushed the hull and tore at the sails. There was no room below decks for the ordinary sailor, so sleeping commenced on the open deck. Seasickness was not uncommon nor succumbing to death under immense pain. Conditions were harsh but willingness prevailed: hope, faith and courage paved the way to the New World for this was only the beginning.
"We ate only old biscuit reduced to powder, all full of worms and stinking of the urine that the rats made on it. And we drank water that was yellow and stinking." ~Antonio Pigatetta 1500s, a sailor aboard the Magellan.
Echoes
of the Sea
The sea, which soars, soothes, threatens and shifts
The sea, which soars, soothes, threatens and shifts
Emanates life as an unanswered
question
If it had lips, it would speak
effortlessly
And share untold stories from every
nation
Oh, sea, mighty warrior of all times
Let loose your triumphant vessels
And relinquish the esteemed memories
Once washed away like the
sandcastles
The sea, whose entrails reflect symmetrical images
Imitates the snow-capped peak of Fujiyama
In an infinite unpredictable
melodrama
Oh, sea, unforgiving and yet calm
Lay to rest those who died in your
wake
Relinquish troubling tales of
mystery and woe
That haunt those souls you once did take
The sea, in all its fierceness and serenity
Sustains any argument with the
bravest of the brave
Changes its moods with the rolling
tide
And whispers of the past echo with each wave
Related Videos
Columbus' Modern Ships (1:25)
Columbus' modern ships were fast and strong enough for the rough Atlantic seas.
Columbus' Mutinous Crew (2:12)
After 60 days and no sign of land, Columbus' doubtful crew wanted to turn back.
During his fourth voyage Columbus was forced to take refuge in a cove off the shores of Hispaniola.
Since its discovery over 500 years ago a myriad of awakenings have shaped America, the land and the people. What are your visions of hope to see America remains strong?
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