120th Celebration

of the Columbus Monument and Piazza Dedication, October 13th, 1905

In the wake of the 1891 lynching in New Orleans when 11 innocent Italian immigrants were hung on the streets of New Orleans, the United States faced a moral and diplomatic crisis.

The incident strained relations with Italy and sparked widespread outrage. In an honorable attempt to repair ties and appeal to Italian-American citizens, President Benjamin Harrison proclaimed a Columbus Day on October 21, 1892, coinciding with the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s 1492 voyage.

Around 1895, Hector Chiariglione, a newspaper owner in Pueblo, Colorado, began urging both state and federal governments to officially recognize Columbus Day. Inspired by Pueblo’s thriving Italian immigrant community, Chiariglione also encouraged support for a permanent Columbus monument that would reflect cultural pride and immigrant contributions.

With this in mind, Pueblo’s Italian residents launched a national fundraising campaign to finance a statue. Their efforts resonated with other immigrant groups who contributed to the cause. Together, they made the vision a reality which resulted in the construction of a beautiful stone monument and cast brass bust of Columbus set upon the Columbus Piazza at 100 E. Abriendo Ave, Pueblo, Colorado.

On Friday, October 12, 1905, more than 7,000 people gathered in Pueblo for the dedication of the Columbus Monument gifted to the City of Pueblo, and accepted by then Mayor West on behalf of the City,the celebration was not just about Italian immigrants, but rather a statewide expression of solidarity.

The monument, still stands today as a symbol of heritage and civic pride. This October will mark the 120^th Anniversary since its dedication. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the first Columbus monument west of the Mississippi, and is registered on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring Pueblo’s important place in Italian-American history.

To mark the anniversary, a re-dedication ceremony will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, beginning at 10 AM at the monument site in Pueblo, all are invited.  The program will feature speeches by dignitaries and community leaders, honoring both the monument’s legacy and the diverse immigrant communities that helped shape Pueblo.