Columbus's Last Years

Columbus returned to Spain in November, 1504, ill and discouraged. Queen Isabella died soon after. Until his death two years later, Columbus sought restoration of his grants and titles, but Ferdinand refused. Columbus died in Valladolid, May 20, 1506.

Columbus was buried in Valladolid. Then his body was removed to Seville by his son Diego, who later was buried there. About 1542 both bodies were taken to the cathedral in Santo Domingo. The remains thought to be those of Columbus were taken from there to Havana in 1795, and in 1899, returned to Seville. Some believe these were only part of his remains, the rest being in a box found in Santo Domingo in 1877.