I took this photograph for Snapshot of NYC because it represented where I was on October 11, 2013. Every day I walk to and from John Jay College and this monument goes unnoticed. I take the D subway train and the station I get off is in fact 59^th Street Columbus Circle but the exit I get off does no justice to this piece. I get out of an entrance that blocks this whole monument. This entrance is not like ordinary entrances/exits that just have stairs leading underground. It is essentially a constructed building with an opening to go inside for connection to the MTA trains. This black building hides Columbus Circle from my view, and from thousands of other people who use the same train station. The only way you’ll see this place is if you intentionally look for it or if you connect to the trains from another entrance. I only found this piece looking for a place to sit and relax after a long day of class.

A hidden gem, this monument has been sitting at Columbus Circle ever since 1892. It was created by Italian sculptor Gaetano Russo in honor of the 400^th anniversary of Christopher Columbus landing in America in 1492. This monument is created with marble, granite and bronze. Columbus is crafted from marble sitting on top of a granite column. On the side of the column are bronze etchings of Columbus’ 3 ships: Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. At the bottom of the column is an angel holding a globe. This could symbolize the long journey Columbus made arriving here in America. There could’ve been a higher figure watching over him to ensure safe travels, thus explaining the angel at the bottom of the column.

Columbus Circle itself was completed in 1905.  It was designed to control traffic in that area by William P. Eno. It was renovated again in 2005. Fountains, plant life, and wooden benches were the new additions. These new objects give a more natural element to Columbus Circle as a whole entity. It is not only a place where cars travel by; it is a place where people can visit. The water spraying out of fountains with plants surrounding the circle gives off an earthy feel. It takes people back to the environment and the benches let us sit and bathe in the natural aura. New additions to the circle from 1905 lead to what we see today; a beautiful area to relax with a strong symbol in the center.