Columbus Square, ca. 1942. This triangle, like many others around New York City, honors Christopher Columbus. The land for the plaza was acquired by the City on July 19, 1910, but it was not until 1930 that the site was named after famed explorer. In 1938, with funds from the Works Progress Administration, Italian sculptor Angelo Racioppi was commissioned to create the seven foot tall bronze of a Christopher Columbus that presently stands here today.