Statue of Christopher Columbus (Ohio Statehouse) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christopher Columbus |
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| Christopher Columbus Discovery Monument | |
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The memorial in 2018
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| Artist | Alfonso Pelzer |
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| Subject | Christopher Columbus |
| Location | Columbus, Ohio, United States |
| 39°57′38.6″N 82°59′58.2″W / 39.960722°N 82.999500°W | |
The Christopher Columbus statue, also called the Christopher Columbus Discovery Monument, is a copper sculpture. It shows Christopher Columbus and was made by Alfonso Pelzer around 1890–1892. You can find it on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, United States.
About the Columbus Statue
This statue is made from sheets of copper and was created by the W. H. Mullins Company. It shows Christopher Columbus holding a globe. Next to him is a base made of granite, with a dove on top of another globe.
The statue stands about 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall. It weighs around 150 pounds (68 kg).
Messages on the Statue
The base of the statue has several messages carved into it. One message explains that the Pontifical College Josephinum ordered the statue. Another says that the Josephinum gave the statue to the State of Ohio.
Other messages talk about the "spirit of discovery." They connect Columbus's voyages to the idea of exploring new places. They also link this spirit to the people who moved westward into Ohio. These messages suggest that the spirit of discovery continues today, helping people explore new ideas and possibilities.
History of the Columbus Statue
The statue was ordered by Joseph Jessing from the Pontifical College Josephinum. He wanted to celebrate 400 years since Christopher Columbus's first voyage. Jessing bought the statue in 1892 for about $400–500.
From 1892 to 1932, the statue was located at the college. In 1932, it was given as a gift to the State of Ohio.
Over the years, the statue has needed repairs. For example, the dove part of the statue was once removed but later found. It was put back in place in 1953.
In 1991, the statue was moved while the Statehouse was being fixed up. A new granite base and a fountain were added in 1991–1992. This was done to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage.
Recently, there have been discussions about the statue's future. The board that looks after the Statehouse grounds talked about it in July 2020. Lawmakers on the board had different ideas about whether the statue should stay. Some, like Larry Householder and Larry Obhof, wanted it to remain. Others, like Janine Boyd and Hearcel Craig, thought it should be moved.
