Columbus statue gets fed protection

ALBANY – The Christopher Columbus monument across from Central Park has gone from endangered to protected.

The 76-foot statute of the Italian explorer that some recently wanted removed was instead recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Gov. Cuomo announced Thursday.

“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,” Cuomo said. “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.”

The state listed the statue, which was erected in 1892, on the state historic register in September and recommended the National Park Service follow suit, which it did on Nov. 20.

While supporters like Cuomo say Columbus stands as a source of pride for Italian-Americans who had to overcome discrimination, critics argue the statue celebrates an explorer who slaughtered indigenous people.

Mayor de Blasio in 2017 created a commission to review “symbols of hate.” The Columbus statute in Columbus Circle was among them.

Ultimately, the mayor in January decided against moving the monument, but said he wanted to place “new historical markers in or around Columbus Circle explaining the history of Columbus and of the monument itself.”