The Ships of Christopher Columbus

Today the sea is calm, the air is still. The setting sun reminds us of an era slowly fading away. As I stand on the deck of this ship and look out to sea, I wonder what kind of men would take on such a challenge that could end in death. To search for a path to India by sea was a task that seemed impossible to most that lived in Europe in those times. The Flat Earth Society experts scoffed at the mere thought, yet Christopher Columbus held on to his conviction and belief it could be accomplished. Today, we know he was correct in his belief that the earth was round and that he successfully crossed the ocean with three small wooden ships, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. Each ship measured about 50’ long and in the massive Atlantic Ocean, looked liked a bobbing cork in a pond. What a feat on such small ships! 

The ship I am standing on today is the full size replica of the Pinta at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and Modern History. This ship and its sister replica ship, the Santa Maria, are slowly deteriorating in their dry dock location at the museum. (The replica Nina is moored at the Lawrence Street T-Head near downtown.) Tours at the museum are still being held, but for how much longer is anyone’s guess by looking at their condition. The tour guides are very informative and outgoing in their narrative. You get a sense of size and the craftsmanship of the ships of that historic era.

The three replica ships sailed across the Atlantic in 1992 as a gift from Spain. They toured American ports and sailed into Corpus Christi Bay in 1993. What started out as a victory tour has ended up as a disaster of sorts. Neglected? I believe so. How soon we forget our history.

Those of you who are fascinated by the call of the sea or have children who yearn to learn about history should take the time to visit this Corpus Christi museum. With spring break just around the corner, it’s a great addition to your itinerary while you visit Texas Thru My Back Door!