Statue of Christopher Columbus

This bronze statue in Wilmington portrays Christopher Columbus standing on a granite base with carefully rendered sculptural details. The work was created by Italian sculptor Egidio Giaroli and stands approximately 12 feet tall before the removal in 2020.

The monument was unveiled on October 12, 1957, financed by donations from the Sons of Italy and the Knights of Columbus organizations. It was cast in Pistoia, Italy and transported to Delaware, where it stood at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue, Franklin Street and 13th Street until 2020.

The monument reflected Italian-American heritage in Delaware until its removal in June 2020 during nationwide discussions about historical representations.

The monument formerly stood at a central intersection and was easily visible from pedestrian and traffic areas. The site remains accessible to visitors who wish to see the location where the statue once stood.

The artwork weighing around 1,600 pounds was manufactured in the Italian city of Pistoia before being transported across the Atlantic. This production method and collaboration between Italian craftsmen and American organizations reflects the transatlantic connections in sculpture production during that era.

Location: Wilmington

Inception: October 12, 1957

Creator: Egidio Giaroli

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 39.75321,-75.55856

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:41