Columbus Circle and Christopher Columbus Monument

The Christopher Columbus Monument in the heart of Columbus Circle is the official measurement point from which all distances to and from New York City are calculated!

Columbus Circle is a square and transportation hub in New York City. It is located at the intersection of Broadway, Central Park West, Central Park South and Eighth Avenue at the southwest corner of Central Park in Manhattan. (Wikipedia)

Columbus Circle is a small square, or rather a multi-lane roundabout, right on the south-western corner of Central Park. Various streets meet here: 59th Street, 8th Avenue, Broadway and Central Park West.
Why is it named after the discoverer of America? On the 400th anniversary of the discovery, a 20-meter-high monument was erected to commemorate Christopher Columbus. What I find really interesting is that the monument in the middle of Columbus Circle in New York is the official measuring point from which all distances to and from New York City are calculated!