CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

Regarding “Where in the World Was Christopher Columbus?”: I would like to bring to your attention some historical facts. Although there have been disagreements about where Columbus first landed, it is not true that historians are trying to decide which island it was in order to celebrate in October, 1992.

The first islands that Columbus arrived at did not meet the expectations that he had derived from Marco Polo’s “Voyages” and Pierre d’Ailly’s “Imago Mundi.” The admiral was in search of treasure islands, rich in gold and all kinds of precious stones that were supposed to be found in the eastern part of Asia. Not until he arrived in Hispaniola (originally Espanola) did he believe he was close to his goal, mainly because he finally encountered, although in small scale, some gold mines, and, the natives spoke of a region of the island called Cibao. Columbus, eager to prove himself right--especially in the eyes of the Spanish crown--assumed that what the “Indians” were talking about was Cipango, an island described in the books he had consulted as one of vast wealth and wonders.

Despite the fact that Columbus did not realize his expectations in Hispaniola--or in any other island that he explored--it is this island (now a territory divided between the Dominican Republic and Haiti) that became the first cultural center of the New World. Santo Domingo, in particular, was for more than two decades, the place where the conquistadors maintained permanent residence while other expeditions were taking place. It was there that the first cathedral of the Americas was built and that the remains of Columbus lie. It is not surprising, therefore, that Santo Domingo has been chosen as the main site for the major celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the encounter of the Old and New Worlds.

B. GRACIAN0, Los Angeles