The Nina and the Pinta arrived at Ross’s Landing in Chattanooga, TN on the Tennessee River during Columbus Day!  It was such a treat.  I took the girls on a field trip (organized by the American Heritage Girls troop, thank you Janet!) to get a tour onboard.  I was amazed that this is just like what Columbus sailed on.  Now granted the Santa Maria didn’t make it nor was recreated, but it is all the more amazing that he discovered a world that nobody, ironically including himself, was aware of.  (DISCLAIMER: I like Columbus, I still consider him a hero, and I’m educated.)  Isn’t it also amazing though, that every age has had explorers who change history through different means of transportation and expedition, and they are incredibly courageous in doing so.  I have a whole new respect for those who sailed to unknown lands, and a deeper appreciation for those who discovered America, both those who were destined as explorers and also those who sojourned to freedom.  From Lief Erikson to Columbus to Juan Ponce de Leon to all the pilgrims on the Mayflower to commoners who cross to my own ancestors who were welcomed by Lady Liberty herself.  It also makes me appreciate the convenient means of transportation that we have today and I’m quite convicted to no longer complain about extended road trips and even the TSA and rude flight attendants complicating air travel.

One of the reasons I was so struck by what Columbus endured, and his men, was seeing these small vessels that they sailed a rough and unforgiving ocean on.  Also, just that they could keep together during their voyage is a feat in itself.  (I did learn they used cannons to also signal each other their whereabouts if needed.)  The replicas are amazingly accurate (most historically accurate ones ever replicated) and give you a very realistic understanding of the ships.  I’ve included a lot of images in the slideshow in hopes that you too can appreciate the details and craftsmanship.

For more information:

The Columbus Foundation: http://www.thenina.com

Favorite Columbus Book: Columbus by Edgar Parin D’Aulaire