Who Is The Girl In The ‘What Christopher Columbus Saw’ Meme? The Dark Story Behind The Viral Memes Explained

A viral meme known as “What Columbus Saw When He Pulled Up to America” is making waves across social media, mixing humor with historical reflection. The meme, which features images of women styled to resemble Indigenous Americans, references a dark chapter in history involving explorer Christopher Columbus and alleged abuses during his voyages.

Originally sparked in late 2024, the trend resurfaced in May 2025 when a post featuring user @SantoriMary went viral, racking up over 300,000 likes. While many find the meme format humorous, others are calling attention to its unsettling historical undertones, reigniting conversations about Columbus’s legacy.