Origins of an Idea.

The idea that the Americas were "virgin lands," untouched and sequestered from the crowding, disease, and other problems plaguing Europe, may be said to have originated with Christopher Columbus. He compiled a book of sayings, opinions, and prophecies using biblical texts that stressed the urgency of recovering Mount Zion and Jerusalem and of converting native peoples in the Indies. Columbus tried to show that the discovery of the Indies was an important step in liberating Jerusalem from Muslim control and would usher in the days of salvation. He also assigned himself a prominent role in these events. In a letter written to Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain from Jamaica in 1503, Columbus noted: "Jerusalem and Mt. Zion will be rebuilt by a Christian; God tells who it will be through the mouth of...