Columbus Monument, Trinidad B.W.I.

Abstract

This is photograph of a monument to Christopher Columbus, a navigator, explorer, colonizer, who encountered Trinidad in 1498 on his third voyage. It stands in Columbus Square, corner of Independence Square and Duncan Street, east Port of Spain. The monument consists of three parts: a statute, a base and a fountain. The statute is a carving of Christopher Columbus and stands at the top of the monument. It was a gift from Hippolyte Borde, an affluent local cacao planter and merchant. The iron statue then rests on a monolithic base embellished by four gargoyles with four vessels below each. This structure is positioned at the centre of a large round fountain which is fenced around with chains. A few scanty trees conceal various buildings behind this famous landmark.