Statue of Christopher Columbus, Marble statue in North End, Boston, United States.
The Statue of Christopher Columbus is a white marble sculpture mounted on a granite pedestal in Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, rising to about 15 feet in height. The work was carved by artisans in Carrara, Italy, and creates a striking presence in this waterfront location.
The monument was commissioned by Arthur Stivaletta and unveiled on October 21, 1979, at a ceremony attended by Mayor Kevin White and former governor John Volpe. This dedication marked an important moment for Boston's Italian American community.
The monument displays names of prominent Italian American families from the North End, reflecting the neighborhood's strong Italian heritage. These inscriptions connect the statue to the community that has lived in this area for generations.
The statue is currently being relocated to a new site developed by the Knights of Columbus on North Margin Street. Visitors should check ahead about its current location and status, as it may not always be at its original waterfront position.
The monument has experienced a turbulent history with vandalism damage, including decapitation in 2006 and 2020. These repeated incidents led to relocations and repairs, reflecting ongoing debates about public statues in modern times.
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