by Cheryl Gregory

Created on: October 07, 2009

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. This classroom rhyme has been around for eons, but there is more to the story of this famous explorer than meets the eye. Controversy has arisen over the validity of Columbus's right to claim the title that names him the one who discovered America. Was Columbus truly a person that we should honor as a hero, or do we need to dig a little deeper into his life and the events that occurred back in the fifteenth century?

Historians have delved into the life of Columbus and his famous voyage to the Americas in an effort to answer the questions that many people have about this event. According to www.history.com, the Indians who were unfortunately in Columbus' path were treated terribly. They were forced into slavery, Christianity, and were subjected to new diseases. Columbus's main focus was to find the easiest route to transport the spices and other popular trade items and to become rich in the process. The people that he met when he reached our shores were cast aside and considered an obstacle if they got in the way of his mission.

Columbus Day was set up in honor of Christopher Columbus, the man who discovered America. Columbus can be credited with being the first of the Europeans to have contact with the Indians on our shores, but he cannot rightfully take the credit for discovering our country. According to www.usnews.com, the Vikings actually discovered North America five hundred years before Christopher Columbus and his three ships made the long journey across the ocean blue.

Many people think that it is absolutely terrible that some people are trying to discredit Columbus as the man who discovered America. Why, they say, would anyone want to argue the point that Columbus was the person who is responsible for the first civilized inhabitants in the new world. Columbus was slated as the man who discovered America by a few who were in charge hundreds of years ago, and it still sticks. The controversy will go on, as it should, until history is written that includes the true facts behind Columbus Day.

Perhaps you are one that protests the claims of the historians that Columbus is the man who discovered America. If you are, then keep it up. You are not alone. Our students must be taught the facts about our history, not something that was made up by someone many years ago. The many people who stand up in defiance of Columbus Day are only trying to convey their staunch beliefs in their heritage, and this should be honored.

Learn more about this author, Cheryl Gregory.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.