As Christopher Columbus Day came to a close Monday, Detroit’s own Christopher Columbus statue stood defiled by vandals.
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The vandalism was discovered the morning of Mondays now controversial federal holiday, amid growing criticism that it celebrates genocide.
[Editor’s Note: For Columbus Day we’re republishing an article first published five years ago about Columbus’ historical impact on tobacco and cigars.].
The scene, meant to look like a bloody hatchet in sculpture’s head, was discovered and removed by a California-based urban explorer group visiting the city. While these requests for comment weren’t returned prior to publication, a recorded message stated that the congressman’s office was in fact closed in observance of Columbus Day.
To further emphasize their longevity, the Sons of Italy also showed off a few new upgrades to the lighting at Christopher Columbus Piazza.
The photo was posted on Imgur.
Columbus Day was observed on the 12 of October this year.
In many cities, Columbus Day is a celebration of Italian-American heritage, not just Columbus, so it’s no surprise that Italian-Americans are among the most vocal opponents of the shifting focus.
The bust was carved by an Italian sculptor and dedicated to the city of Detroit in 1910.
It is highly offensive to Native Americans and Hispanic peoples, to celebrate a man that terrorized their ancestors.
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The statue of the explorer sits downtown, at Jefferson and Randolph. Detroits Columbus Restoration Beautification and Maintenance Committee restored the statue in 1988.
