Statue of Christopher Columbus (Astoria, Queens) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of Christopher Columbus |
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Racioppi working on the statue
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| Artist | Angelo Racioppi |
| Year | 1941 |
| Medium | Bronze |
| Subject | Christopher Columbus |
| Location | Columbus Square park, Astoria, Queens |
| 40°46′12.3″N 73°55′3.4″W / 40.770083°N 73.917611°W | |
The Columbus statue is a famous artwork in Astoria, Queens. It was created by an artist named Angelo Racioppi. The money for the statue came from a special government program called the New York City Works Progress Administration Art Project. You can find the statue in Columbus Square park. It was officially put in place in 1941. The statue is made of bronze and stands on a base of cast stone. It shows Christopher Columbus as a young, strong explorer. He looks like he is steering a ship. The base of the statue even looks like the front part of a ship.
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The Story Behind the Columbus Statue
How the Statue Began
The idea for the statue started way back in the 1920s. Italian-American families living in Long Island and Astoria wanted to honor Christopher Columbus. They began collecting money to pay for the statue. However, the project stopped for a while. The community could not raise enough money to build the statue's base.
Naming Columbus Square Park
By 1930, the area where the statue would stand got a new name. The city's Board of Aldermen decided to rename the park. It became known as Columbus Square. This park is located near the Astoria Boulevard (BMT Astoria Line) subway station.
When the Statue Was Dedicated
The statue was finally finished and dedicated in 1941. This means it was officially presented to the public. However, its dedication caused a disagreement. The Queens Borough President, George U. Harvey, and the Parks Commissioner, Robert Moses, had different ideas about it.
Hiding the Statue During World War II
During World War II, people worried about the statue. They feared it might be taken away. Metal was very important for the war effort. So, the statue was removed and hidden to keep it safe. It spent some years stored in warehouses. It was also kept in the basement of Queens Borough Hall. After the war, the statue was brought back. It was put back on its base in the park.
