What is Columbus Day?

Columbus Day is a federal holiday observed in the United States on the second Monday of October. It commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. In recent years, this day has also been recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day in many parts of the U.S., acknowledging the history and contributions of Native American communities.

When is Columbus Day Celebrated?

Both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day are observed on the second Monday of October each year. In 2024, the holiday will fall on October 14. Despite debates and shifts in perception, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday.

The Legacy of Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus is often credited as the explorer who “discovered” America, but this narrative overlooks the fact that the continent was already inhabited by diverse Native American tribes long before his arrival. Furthermore, Viking explorers like Leif Eriksson had visited parts of North America around 500 years earlier. Columbus’s voyages, funded by Spain, marked the beginning of European colonization in the Americas, which had a significant impact on the history of the world.

However, Columbus’s expeditions also led to exploitation, violence, and the forced enslavement of indigenous peoples. According to historians, including Reynaldo Morales, an assistant professor at Northwestern University, Columbus and his crew committed numerous atrocities, including acts of violence, enslavement, and other brutalities against the native populations. Morales asserts that Columbus’s actions contributed to a scope of violence that amounted to what he describes as a genocide on a large scale in the Americas.

Why Was Columbus Day Established?

Columbus Day was established as a national holiday in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, following lobbying efforts by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization. Before it became a federal holiday, the first major celebration took place in 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of Columbus’s landing, organized by New York’s Columbian Order. By 1892, the 400th anniversary was marked by a proclamation from President Benjamin Harrison encouraging Americans to honor Columbus’s exploration.

The holiday was originally intended to recognize Columbus’s contributions to exploration and to celebrate Italian-American heritage, as Columbus became a symbol of pride for the Italian-American community, particularly during a time when immigrants faced discrimination.

Transition to Indigenous Peoples Day

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day to honor the history, culture, and resilience of Native American communities who suffered due to colonization. According to data from Pew Research, more than 200 cities and multiple states have now renamed or replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, acknowledging the ongoing impact of colonialism on Native populations.

In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first U.S. president to issue a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day, while also observing Columbus Day as a federal holiday. This reflects a shift in how the nation grapples with its colonial history and seeks to honor indigenous communities.

The Debate: Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day?

The debate around Columbus Day centers on its duality as a celebration of exploration and as a reminder of the darker aspects of colonial history. Critics argue that celebrating Columbus glorifies the exploitation and suffering of indigenous populations. Supporters of Indigenous Peoples Day aim to shift the focus away from Columbus and instead highlight the cultural contributions and historical experiences of Native Americans.

Meanwhile, some people continue to see Columbus Day as an opportunity to celebrate Italian-American culture, given the historical association with Italian heritage. The shift to Indigenous Peoples Day has gained momentum, and more states and cities continue to recognize it, signaling a potential transition in how this holiday is perceived across the country.

Current Status Across the U.S.

As of 2023, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, meaning that federal offices and some businesses may close, and employees in certain sectors may receive a day off. However, many states have ceased to observe the holiday or have replaced it with Indigenous Peoples Day. According to recent data, around 29 states and the District of Columbia no longer celebrate Columbus Day, showing the changing sentiments across the nation.

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The celebration of Columbus Day has evolved, with growing awareness of the historical impact of European colonization on indigenous peoples. While it remains a federal holiday, the emergence of Indigenous Peoples Day reflects an ongoing re-evaluation of how history is commemorated. This change signifies a broader effort to acknowledge the full story of America’s past, recognizing both the achievements and the atrocities of history.

The future of Columbus Day may continue to shift as more states and cities embrace Indigenous Peoples Day, focusing on the diverse cultures and enduring legacies of Native American communities.