The 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe, Spanish scientists said on Saturday, after using DNA analysis to tackle a centuries-old mystery.

More than five centuries after he re-shaped history by opening up the New World to European exploration, scientists say they are ready to reveal the truth about the origins of Christopher Columbus. The explorer reached the Americas in 1492 with the support of the Spanish Crown.

After two decades of research, DNA analysis traced the legendary explorer's remains to the Cathedral of Seville, Spain

DNA from bones said to belong to the explorer were analyzed by forensic scientists to confirm his identity and where he came from.

A 22-year investigation by Spanish forensic researchers concluded that Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe.

The 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe, Spanish scientists said on Saturday, after using DNA analysis to tackle a centuries-old mystery. Several countries have argued over the origins and the final burial place of the divisive figure who led Spanish-funded expeditions from the 1490s onward,

Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day, observed on the second Monday in October, is the only federal holiday that isn't a Nevada state holiday. That's because the Silver State celebrates Nevada Day just two weeks from now.

Brooklyn's Columbus Day Parade marched its way through Bensonhurst on Saturday. The annual event has been a tradition for more than 40 years. Italian flags were waved proudly, both from behind barricades and out of sports cars.

Brooklyn's Columbus Day Parade marched its way through Bensonhurst on Saturday. The annual event has been a tradition for more than 40 years. CBS News New York's Kristie Keleshian reports.