Columbus Day: 7 interesting facts about the famed explorer

7. Litigation involving his descendants lasted centuries

Not only has Columbus been the subject of much historical mythmaking and debate over the years, but he and his work for Spain were also the subject of extensive litigation that lasted until the late 18th century.

Near the end of his life, Columbus demanded that the Spanish crown pay him a percentage of the profits garnered from their American colonies and restore the titles he lost when he was arrested.

The crown refused, thereby setting off decades, and to a lesser extent centuries, of litigation between Columbus’ descendants and the Spanish government.

“While Columbus’ heirs prevailed in 1511, after appeals, a new trial was granted in 1527. In 1536, the heirs of Columbus were awarded land in the Caribbean, but only on Jamaica and Hispaniola,” explained the Voelker Litigation Group.

“The primary litigation was settled in part in 1556, over 30 years after Columbus’ son Diego’s death. A separate, but related, and very colorful action was brought in the form of a declaratory judgment to declare the rightful primary heirs to Columbus’ legacy of money, power and titles. This litigation continued — on and off — for over two more centuries.”