The Fact and Fiction Surrounding Columbus

Columbus is considered to be one of the greatest American heroes of all time. Many authors have written accounts of Columbus’ voyage to the Americas, whether positive or negative. One such account has been written by John Garrity in the textbook American History. Two of the points that Garrity discusses in his account are Columbus’ motives for making his journey to the New World and Columbus’ interactions with the Native people. However, Garrity’s account …

…the beliefs generally held by the American public. In order to write a factual account, Garrity would have been taking on a legend, an attempt that would have most likely ended in failure. The average American does not like to hear their heroes referred to in a negative manner. Columbus is considered to be an American hero, and thus, must be treated as one, regardless of the true nature of his voyage over 500 years ago.