Columbus Circle, plaza in Washington, D.C.
Columbus Circle is a busy traffic roundabout in front of Union Station in central Washington, D.C., surrounded by green spaces and trees. The square serves as a meeting point where several main streets converge, allowing pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles to move through.
The site was planned in the early 1900s and officially opened in 1912 as a major monument to Christopher Columbus, hosting large ceremonies and parades. In 2020, the statue was removed following growing debates about Columbus's legacy and his connection to colonization and harm to indigenous peoples.
The name refers to Christopher Columbus, a figure whose legacy is now reconsidered by society. The empty pedestal at the center invites visitors to think about which stories deserve to be remembered in public spaces and how historical understanding evolves over time.
The circle is located right in front of Union Station and is easily accessible by train, bus, or bike. The area was renovated between 2011 and 2013 to improve pedestrian movement, with wide walkways, safe crossing points, and bike-sharing stations nearby.
The empty pedestal at the center once held a large statue that was removed in 2020, now serving as a quiet reminder of changing views about history. This emptiness prompts visitors to think about who deserves to be honored in public spaces and why our memory of the past shifts with time.
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