First landing of Columbus on the shores of the New World: At San Salvador, W.I., Oct. 12th 1492. 

New York: Currier & Ives, 1892. Library of Congress

Some of the conflicts between the European invaders and the indigenous Native Americans arose because of a failure to understand each others cultures.

In the image, a rowboat has reached the shore.  Columbus kneels on the shore, holding a flag over his head.  The flag is divided into four squares, two with a lion, red on white, two with flames, gold on red. His other hand holds a sword, pointed toward the ground.

To his left stands a priest in robes and tonsure, holding up a wooden cross.  To the left of the priest stands one native, a second native kneeling, and a third prostrate on the ground. Over their heads is a large tree with fronds.

Behind Columbus and to his right, men exit the boat, some carrying Christian banners.  One leans over, clutching a rock on the shore to hold the boat steady.  Another man stands in the water to the side of the boat holding it so the men can disembark.  

In the distance can be seen an image of one of the ships which brought Columbs to the new world.