Ah, Columbus Day. For many of us, it conjures up memories of school lessons filled with drawings of three famous ships and the phrase, "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." But is that all there is to it? Today, opinions about Christopher Columbus and the holiday named after him have shifted—so much so that what kids learned about Columbus 20 years ago may not align with what they're hearing today.
So, what has changed? And more importantly, how can we use this as an opportunity to teach our children the value of critical thinking? Let’s explore.
The Basics: What We Were Taught (and What’s True)
Back in the day, many of us learned that Christopher Columbus "discovered" America. He set sail from Spain in 1492 with three ships—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María—and heroically landed in what we now call the Bahamas. He claimed the New World for Spain, and his name became synonymous with exploration, courage, and the spirit of discovery.
That’s still true, right? Well, sort of.
What’s often left out of that simple version is that the Americas were already home to millions of Indigenous peoples with rich, complex cultures and histories. So, while Columbus introduced Europe to the Americas, he didn’t exactly "discover" them.
Columbus' Journey: A Twist of Geography
Here’s the kicker: Columbus wasn’t actually trying to find the Americas at all. His real goal? The East Indies. He was looking for a new trade route westward to Asia, filled with spices, silk, and riches. Columbus believed that sailing westward would take him directly to the Indies. That’s where he thought he had arrived when he landed in the Bahamas in 1492.
It wasn’t until later that people began to realize Columbus hadn’t found Asia—he’d stumbled upon lands unknown to Europe. This realization set off waves of exploration, colonization, and the eventual birth of the New World.
Has Columbus Day Changed Over the Years?
When Columbus Day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 1937, it was a celebration of his "discovery" and the start of European exploration in the Americas. Schools taught Columbus as a hero—a fearless explorer who braved the unknown and made a monumental impact on history. Fast forward a few decades, and the conversation around Columbus has shifted.
Today, instead of focusing solely on Columbus' achievements, students focus more on the impacts of European colonization on the Native populations already living in the Americas. The facts—Columbus set sail in 1492 and landed in the Bahamas—haven’t changed, but the context has.
Critical Thinking: Encouraging Questions
As homeschoolers, this is where you can dive in with your child and encourage critical thinking. Ask them questions like: Why do we celebrate Columbus? What were the long-term effects of his voyages? Why do some people view Columbus differently today?
By presenting multiple perspectives, you help your child understand different viewpoints and start asking deeper questions.
Final Thoughts: Why Columbus Matters in American History
Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas marked a turning point in world history. Whether viewed as a hero or a controversial figure, his journeys had lasting impacts on the formation of the modern world. For homeschoolers, Columbus’ story provides a unique opportunity to explore key moments in American history while building critical thinking skills.
By teaching your children to ask questions and consider multiple perspectives, you’re helping them grow into thoughtful, informed individuals—skills they’ll carry with them for life. So, as you celebrate Columbus Day this year, celebrate Columbus for what he was—a complex figure in a complex time—and let your child’s curiosity guide the way.
Free Printable Activity: Trace Columbus’ First Voyage!
To make history hands-on for your little one, download our free printable activity. Your child can trace the path of Columbus’ first voyage, following the dotted line across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain to the Bahamas. Then, they can color the continents and ocean as they imagine what it might have been like to sail into the unknown.
Bonus Question: What challenges do you think Columbus and his crew faced during their journey? Could you have been a sailor back then?
