File Photo
The State Board for Historic Preservation in September recommended the statue for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
By Michael V. Cusenza
The Central Park monument to Christopher Columbus has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Thursday.
The 76-foot rostral column erected in 1892 was listed on the State Register on Sept. 20 after a unanimous vote of the State Board for Historic Preservation. The State Historic Preservation Office immediately recommended that the National Park Service add the monument to the National Register of Historic Places. The NPS accepted the nomination and listed the monument on Nov. 20, Cuomo noted.
“The Columbus monument is revered by the Italian-American community in New York and stands as a tribute to the ways our state has welcomed immigrants from around the globe,” the governor added. “I am proud that we were able to secure this designation, which will help ensure the history of all cultures that make up our uniquely diverse state is always recognized.”
According to the State, the Columbus monument is historically significant as an outstanding example of public art as well as a representation of ethnic and social history. Italian immigrants faced strong prejudice and hostility as they arrived in increasing numbers in the late 19th century. Seeking inclusion in mainstream American society, Italian American community leaders turned to the image of Columbus to create an Italian-American ethnic identity that they believed would overcome prejudice and promote assimilation. Funds for the statue were raised by Carlo Barsotti, founder of Il Progresso, the first Italian-language daily newspaper in America, and the Columbus monument is one of five statues dedicated to great Italians erected in the city during the first three decades that Il Progresso was published. It was designed by Italian artist Gaetano Russo, well-known as a sculptor of allegorical figures and commemorative monuments in Italy.
Last year, it seemed that the fate of the Columbus monument was at least in question. Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed a commission to review all city monuments and insisted that tributes to the controversial pioneer would not be spared scrutiny.
This announcement stoked the ire of many Italian-American advocacy groups.
“Every year we are asked the question, ‘Why is the celebration of Columbus important to the Italian- American community?’ The legacy of Columbus was essential in truly legitimizing our transition from Italians to Americans. Our Italian-American ancestors, facing bigotry and discrimination, identified Columbus as an Italian celebrated greatly across America for establishing a lasting bridge between the Old and New World,” Columbus Citizens Foundation President Angelo Vivolo said in August 2017. “Columbus was an explorer, a renowned sailor, and later governor who certainly partook in actions over the course of his career that were deemed unjust. The foundation believes that these actions and their long-term consequences deserve serious reflection and acknowledgement, but we cannot and will not deny the role this seafarer from Genoa had in the eventual shaping of the United States of America.”
On Thursday, Vivolo celebrated the good news.
“The Italian-American community takes great pride in the Columbus monument and the positive history it represents,” he said. “We are grateful to Gov. Cuomo and New York State for being a partner in its preservation.”
