Johnston to embrace Columbus Day with unveiling of controversial statue

October 9, 2023 5:53 am

Samantha Latos,

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The town of Johnston will officially unveil the Christopher Columbus statue coinciding with the holiday on Monday.

The statue was permanently placed in Johnston Memorial Park two weeks ago.

It originally stood in the Elmwood section of Providence, but was put in storage in 2020 after it was defaced several times.

The statue of Christopher Columbus at its new home in Johnston Memorial Park. (WLNE)
The statue of Christopher Columbus at its new home in Johnston Memorial Park. (WLNE)
The statue of Christopher Columbus will be unveiled at Johnston Memorial Park on Monday. (WLNE)
This is a file image of the Christopher Columbus statue defaced with red paint in Providence. (WLNE)

Former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino gifted the statue to Johnston after he purchased it from Providence for $50,000 in March.

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena said the town has surveillance to keep an eye on the statue.

The town’s Columbus Day event will begin at 11 a.m. Monday.

Categories: News

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