On this Columbus Day, it seems only appropriate to take a look at the area of town that celebrates the namesake's voyage to the New World. Having undergone a recent overhaul (recent being the last 5 years or so...not much in the grander scope), Columbus Circle holds little resemblance to the original circle that was developed over one hundred years ago. Looking at archival photos from the turn of the last century, only Central Park can be used as a waypoint to gain your bearings. What does remain the same, however, is the marble and granite monument in the center of everything. 

The monument is actually the point from which distances to other locations around the world are measured – something I was unaware of until recently. So when you read that London is 3468 miles from New York, it's actually 3468 miles from the center of Columbus Circle. (I'm not sure what the equivalent point in London would be.)

I can't speak for the masses of course, but considering all the commercial presence in this part of town, I'm quite fond of how Columbus Circle has developed. The center circle is truly a beautiful public space, with breathtaking views of the buildings and park space surrounding it.