Keep Hide These Top Secret Facts About Columbus Day
Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday of October in the United States, has long been a day to remember Christopher Columbus and his 1492 voyage to the Americas. Though celebrated for generations, this holiday is also surrounded by surprising facts, historic twists, and significant cultural shifts.
Whether you’re curious about why the day is celebrated, interested in historical debates, or eager to understand how Columbus Day has evolved over time, here’s an in-depth look at some fascinating, fun facts about Columbus Day.
1). Columbus Didn’t Actually Discover America
One of the most debated aspects of Columbus Day is the claim that Christopher Columbus “discovered” America. In reality, Indigenous people had been living in the Americas for thousands of years before Columbus arrived.
Additionally, historical evidence suggests that Norse explorer Leif Erikson reached North America almost 500 years earlier. Erikson’s voyage is believed to have led him to what is now Newfoundland in Canada, an area he called “Vinland.” Despite this, Columbus’s journey was significant because it launched a wave of exploration and colonization that forever changed the world.
2). The First Columbus Day Celebration Wasn’t in the U.S.
The first known Columbus Day celebration took place in 1792, in New York City, to mark the 300th anniversary of Columbus’s landing. Organized by the Columbian Order, also known as Tammany Hall, this celebration honored Italian-American culture and heritage as much as Columbus himself. This marked the beginning of the tradition of Columbus Day in America, although it didn’t become a national holiday until later.
3). Columbus Day Wasn’t a Federal Holiday Until 1937
It wasn’t until 1937 that Columbus Day was recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, thanks to the efforts of Italian-American communities. Italian Americans saw Columbus as a symbol of pride and a representative of their heritage at a time when they faced significant discrimination. The lobbying efforts of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization, were instrumental in convincing President Franklin D. Roosevelt to make Columbus Day an official national holiday.
4). The Columbus Day Date Has Changed Over Time
Originally, Columbus Day was celebrated on October 12, the actual date Columbus is believed to have landed in the Bahamas. However, in 1971, under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, the holiday was moved to the second Monday in October to provide workers with more three-day weekends. This change also placed Columbus Day close to Canadian Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the same day.
5). Columbus Wasn’t Italian – He Was Genoese
There is a common misconception that Columbus was Italian in the way we think of Italy today. Columbus was born in the Republic of Genoa, now part of modern-day Italy, but during Columbus’s time, Italy did not yet exist as a unified country. Genoa was a city-state, one of many regions on the Italian peninsula with its own distinct identity. Columbus’s Genoese roots are a source of pride for Italian-Americans, despite this historical technicality.
6). Columbus Never Set Foot on Mainland America
While Columbus is credited with discovering America, he actually never set foot on what is now the United States. During his four voyages, Columbus explored parts of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola (modern-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic). His exploration focused primarily on the islands of the Caribbean, far from the North American mainland.
7). The Holiday Has Sparked Controversy and Alternatives
In recent decades, Columbus Day has become increasingly controversial due to Columbus’s treatment of Indigenous populations. Historical records indicate that Columbus’s arrival led to significant suffering for Native Americans through enslavement, violence, and the spread of diseases.
This has led some states and cities to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, a holiday honoring Native American history, culture, and contributions. This shift aims to provide a more accurate and respectful recognition of Indigenous people in American history.
8). South Dakota Was the First State to Change the Holiday
In 1990, South Dakota became the first state to celebrate Native American Day instead of Columbus Day. This was in honor of the state’s large Native American population and was a part of Governor George Mickelson’s “Year of Reconciliation.” Since then, many states, including Alaska, Hawaii, and New Mexico, have chosen to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of or alongside Columbus Day.
9). Columbus Day Is Not a Uniformly Observed Federal Holiday
Though Columbus Day is a federal holiday, not all states observe it. Some states choose to treat it as a regular working day, and others celebrate alternative holidays. For instance, Hawaii observes Discoverers’ Day, honoring Polynesian explorers who arrived in the islands. Meanwhile, Vermont, Maine, and New Mexico celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, as do several major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver. The holiday’s observance varies significantly across the U.S., reflecting diverse opinions about its meaning and legacy.
10). Columbus Day Parades Are Still Popular in Italian-American Communities
Despite the controversy surrounding Columbus Day, the holiday remains an essential cultural celebration for Italian-Americans. Large Columbus Day parades are held annually in cities such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, where Italian-American communities gather to celebrate their heritage.
For many Italian-Americans, Columbus Day parades serve as a source of pride and a reminder of their ancestors’ contributions to American society. These events include traditional music, dancing, and Italian cuisine.
11). Schools Teach Columbus Day Differently Today
Today, many schools are revisiting how they teach Columbus Day, incorporating a broader perspective on the impacts of European exploration on Indigenous communities. Some school districts now emphasize a balanced approach, exploring both the accomplishments of Columbus and the consequences of his actions.
In classrooms, students may learn about Indigenous perspectives, examine primary sources from the era, and discuss how Columbus’s voyages affected Native populations in the Americas. This shift reflects the growing awareness of the importance of presenting a complete picture of history.
12). Columbus Day Sales
An interesting and less-discussed aspect of Columbus Day is the retail sales often associated with it. For many Americans, Columbus Day weekend has become an opportunity to snag bargains on everything from electronics to clothing.
Columbus Day sales are now among the big shopping events in the U.S., often rivaling other long weekend holiday sales like Presidents’ Day or Labor Day. Although unrelated to the historical significance of the holiday, these sales have become a commercial hallmark of Columbus Day for shoppers.
13). The Debate Over Columbus’s Legacy Continues
Columbus’s legacy remains complex and controversial. While some honor him as a brave explorer who opened the door for European settlers, others view him as a figure tied to oppression and suffering for Native Americans. This debate over Columbus’s legacy often reflects broader discussions about how history should be remembered and which figures are celebrated. Supporters argue that Columbus was a product of his time, while critics emphasize that his actions had a lasting and tragic impact on Indigenous communities.
14). The Movement Toward Indigenous Peoples’ Day is Growing
Each year, more states, cities, and institutions choose to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day. This movement has grown to include major cities and states nationwide, reflecting a broader cultural shift in recognizing Indigenous history and contributions.
The change highlights the importance of inclusivity and acknowledges the harm Indigenous populations endured following Columbus’s arrival. This transformation of Columbus Day into Indigenous Peoples Day is a profound reflection of changing American values.
Conclusion
Columbus Day is much more than just a day off from work or a weekend for retail discounts. The holiday’s history is filled with complex narratives that involve discovery, adventure, cultural pride, and deep reflection. As Columbus Day continues to evolve, its meaning and observance reflect shifting views about historical figures, cultural identity, and recognition of all peoples who have shaped American history.
Understanding the facts about Columbus Day allows us to appreciate the multifaceted perspectives that come with commemorating history. For some, it is a day of Italian-American pride; for others, it is a time to honor Indigenous heritage. Regardless of how one views Columbus Day, it is clear that the conversations surrounding it have added layers of depth to our understanding of history and cultural identity.
