Christopher Columbus Statue

At this site, you will watch a video describing Native perspectives of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day. From 1979 to 2020, there was a Christopher Columbus statue on this site (formerly called Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park) that was often a source of community protest. What were the reasons for eracting a statue of Christopher Columbus in Boston in the 1970s? Why might a Christopher Columbus statue at this place be troubling or problematic? Why might the events of 2020 challenge community members to rethink its placement and existence?

Next, you can read more below about the controversy surrounding the statue, as well as the movement to establish Indigenous Peoples' Day in the city of Boston (it is still officially Columbus Day statewide).

City of Boston Columbus Statue website: https://www.boston.gov/departments/arts-and-culture/christopher-columbus-statue

Boston Magazine article: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2020/06/10/christopher-columbus-statue-beheaded/

Mass Live article: https://www.masslive.com/boston/2020/10/beheaded-christopher-columbus-statue-not-returning-to-north-end-will-move-to-new-boston-location.html

City of Boston Indigenous Peoples' Day Mayoral Executive Order: https://www.boston.gov/news/mayor-janey-establishes-indigenous-peoples-day-boston

National Museum of the American Indian article on Indigenous Peoples' Day: https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/columbus-day-myths

Zinn Education Project resources on Indigenous Peoples' Day: https://www.zinnedproject.org/campaigns/abolish-columbus-day/resources/

MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda bill to create Indigenous Peoples' Day in Massachusetts: http://maindigenousagenda.org/indigenous-peoples-day/