Our Columbus Monument is a registered National Historical Monument with the Department of the Interior and under its protective oversight; in 1905 it was gifted and dedicated to the City by the Columbian Federation organization and witnessed by over seven thousand Puebloans who primarily represented the immigrant community made up of more than seventeen different cultures.

Until the 1980’s America enjoyed Columbus Day as a Federal holiday beginning in 1937 with Colorado adopting Columbus Day in 1935 as the first state in the Nation to memorialize honoring the explorer who opened the pathway to the west, rediscovering parts of the world essentially unknown to Europe in the 1400’s.

All Americans enjoyed excellent celebrations across the country and there was never a denigration of any other heritage or culture in these celebrations.

The dedication to the City of Pueblo in 1905 reflected a large Italian contingent and immigrants from western Europe, Central America, South America, and Asia; and remains a symbol of thanks and respect for being able to live in this United States of America.

The Monument was paid for in cash, at a cost of ten thousand dollars, and took the organizers nearly ten years to collect and save that amount from the citizenry across the Nation, which is equivalent to more than $290,000 in today’s dollars.

The City of Pueblo maintains the grounds and street rights-of-way for the Monument, and the initial charter for the Sons of Italy Lodge No. 2738 included their commitment to protect the Monument Piazza for the enjoyment of all.

The stonework for the Monument was crafted by Italian stone masons from Italy, and the bust was cast as one piece in bronze—and it is heavy!