Category: American History

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Debunking “Top 5 Atrocities Committed by Christopher Columbus”

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by Rafael Ortiz

about the author

-Rafael.
https://www.officialchristophercolumbus.com/
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This so-called Top 5 atrocities committed by Christopher Columbus is being used by some people on the internet. Apparently the article is affiliated with the Associated Press somehow. The first thing to notice is that the source for the article is Howard Zinn, who was not a primary historical source, but a history revisionist of the 20th century. Zinn’s arguments have gained popularity lately due to his connections with Hollywood celebrities and many mainstream media outlets before he died.

When it comes to Columbus, Zinn had the bad habit of putting two or more sentences together that have nothing to do with each other, to make it say whatever he wanted you to think it says. That’s what he did for ALL the claims below. So let’s take a closer look at his arguments and then debunk them.

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Book Review: Christopher Columbus The Hero- Defending Columbus From Modern Day Revisionism

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Once upon a time, Columbus was a hero…Sadly, that’s not the case today: Some people don’t even know who he was, or what he did; while others claim he was a villain, and are advocating for the abolition of Columbus Day and everything he represented. Accusations vary from Columbus being a racist, a rapist, a genocidal maniac, and even that he ran a child sex slave ring. The question is, are these allegations true? And, where are the scholars correcting Columbus’ record? Unfortunately, some of the misinformation out there comes from “scholars;” and even those who defend Columbus, won’t address the actual story either. In this book, the reader will learn who modern history revisionists claim Columbus was, and what he did, vs. the actual historical accounts, coming from the mouths of those who knew him well, and wrote about them for us. The conclusion will be inevitable, that is, Columbus was a Hero, and his story and legacy need to be rediscovered again today. Note: This version is the Revised and Updated 2020 Edition from the 2017 Original.

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Christopher Columbus as Controversial then , as he is Today

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Christopher Columbus  the famed Italian explorer who “discovered” the “New World” of the Americas on an expedition sponsored by King Ferdinand of Spain in 1492. Columbus was an explorer and adventurer , who leaves us with a mixed legacy. His life is that of a consummate promoter  and a figure at the center of the unforeseen and wholly “unintended consequence” of discovery.

Columbus is of course credited for opening up the Americas to European colonization as well as often blamed for the destruction of the native peoples of the islands he explored. Ultimately, he failed to find that what he set out for which was a new route to Asia and the riches it promised.  He was as controversial then , as he is today.

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Ground Broken for New History Museum at Historic New Bridge Landing

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge, NJ —  Leaders, donors, and elected officials gathered Wednesday at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge to celebrate the groundbreaking for a new 3,750-square-foot history museum that will expand education and access to Bergen County’s remarkable past. The ceremony marked the start of Phase I of a multi-phase project led by the Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) to create a modern, accessible facility for exhibitions, education, and preservation.

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Heroic Legacy in a Glass: Red Bandana Beer Honors 9/11’s Welles Crowther

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Jersey City Brewery Releases Red Bandana Beer to Support 9/11 Families and Remember a True Hero

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Departed Soles Brewing Company in Jersey City has launched its annual Red Bandana American-style pilsner to honor Welles Crowther, the “Man in the Red Bandana,” who heroically saved at least 10 lives during the World Trade Center tragedy. This marks the fifth year the brewery has released this special beer, brewed in collaboration with Crowther’s family, with proceeds benefiting the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust and other 9/11 victim support initiatives. Discover how this heartfelt tribute keeps Crowther’s legacy alive and supports those affected by 9/11 here.

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9/11 Remembered: The Day That Changed New York City and the World Forever

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Honoring the Lives Lost and the Heroes of September 11, 2001

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New York NY, on September 11, 2025, New York City and the nation pause to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, a day that reshaped history. The annual ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan will feature the solemn reading of victims’ names and moments of silence, uniting Americans in a vow to “never forget.” This day honors the 2,977 lives lost, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of a nation. Here’s a look back at the events of 9/11, the timeline of that tragic day, and its lasting impact. Stay updated with live coverage here.

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NJ TRANSIT Launches “Jersey Journeys” Interactive Map: Explore 150+ Historic Sites by Bus, Rail & Light Rail

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD,  NJ — August 26, 2025 — History buffs, students, and day-trippers now have a new way to explore the Garden State. NJ TRANSIT has officially launched its “Jersey Journeys: Every Stop Tells a Story” campaign — an interactive map that highlights more than 150 historic sites and landmarks across New Jersey, all easily accessible by bus, rail, or light rail.

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General Lafayette’s Triumphant 1824-25 Farewell Tour Returns to River Edge, for a Historic Celebration

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIVER EDGE, NJ — History comes alive this August as the Bergen County Historical Society hosts The Nation’s Guest: General Lafayette’s Return Visit, 1824-25, honoring the French hero’s legendary farewell tour of the United States. The celebration takes place Sunday, August 24 at Historic New Bridge Landing, with immersive performances, historical exhibits, and period-style refreshments.

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Step Back in Time: Bergen County Historical Society Hosts 19th Century Vintage Baseball Game

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photos courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge, NJ — On Saturday, July 12, baseball and history enthusiasts gathered at the Bergen County Historical Society for a one-of-a-kind event—Vintage Baseball featuring the Flemington Neshanock and The Enterprise Club of New Bridge. The two teams faced off in an exciting doubleheader, playing with authentic 19th-century rules, uniforms, and equipment, offering a rare glimpse into America’s pastime as it was played over 100 years ago.

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Would the Founding Fathers Be Proud of America Today? A Look Back at the Declaration of Independence and Its Legacy

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photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47 

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as Americans  celebrate Independence Day, many are reflecting on the nation’s founding ideals—and whether the United States today truly lives up to them. According to a recent Rasmussen Reports national survey, only 36% of American adults believe that the Founding Fathers would consider the United States a success if they returned today. In contrast, 41% think the Founders would see modern America as a failure, with the rest unsure.

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Independence Day !

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The Ridgewood blog Wishes All a Happy and Healthy Fourth of July 
In Congress, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

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Celebrating 249 Years of American Independence: A Look Back and Ahead This Fourth of July!

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Reflecting on Progress Since 1776 and the Future of the American Dream

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – Tomorrow, the United States commemorates 249 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. While Founding Father John Adams originally believed the celebration would fall on July 2—the day Congress voted to sever ties with Great Britain—July 4th has become firmly etched in American tradition, marked by fireworks, barbecues, parades, and uniquely local celebrations across the nation.

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Celebrate July 4th by Supporting Bergen County’s New Museum at Historic New Bridge Landing!

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Honor America’s Founding by Preserving the Place Where It Began

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, as fireworks light up the sky this July 4th, there’s no better way to honor the birth of American independence than by supporting a historic project right here in Bergen County, New Jersey. The Bergen County Historical Society invites you to help build a new 3,750-square-foot museum and visitor center at Historic New Bridge Landing, one of the most significant Revolutionary War sites in the state.

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Bergen County Historical Society Annual Awards Dinner!

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photo courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, Bergen County Historical Society’s Beverly Hashimoto presented The Oratam Award to two wonderful people at the dinner.

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Explore Gethsemane Cemetery This Juneteenth: A Self-Guided Tour Honoring African American History in Bergen County

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the tsaff of the Ridgewood blog

LITTLE FERRY, NJ — In celebration of Juneteenth, the public is invited to take a meaningful journey through local Black history with a self-guided tour of the historic Gethsemane Cemetery from June 19 to June 21, running daily from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The tour is hosted by the Bergen County Department of Parks in partnership with the Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs (DCHA).

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