Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of explorer Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. Columbus actually landed on San Salvador Island, which is now part of the British Bahamas.Columbus Monument: San Salvador In the United States, Columbus Day is traditionally celebrated on the second Monday in October. Columbus Day will be observed on October 12, 2009.
Holiday Timeline
- 1792: The first recorded Columbus Day celebration was held New York City
- 1892: The Pledge of Allegiance, written by Francis Bellamy, was first recited publicly during the 400th anniversary celebration of Columbus' first voyageHistory.com History of Columbus Day
- 1937: President Roosevelt proclaimed October 12 as Columbus Day
- 1971: President Nixon declared the second Monday of October the national holiday for Columbus Day
References
Fast Facts
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Known as Discovery Day in the Bahamas, Hispanic Day in Spain and as Dis de la Raza in parts of Latin AmericaU.S. Department of State: Columbus Day
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As a federal holiday, U.S. federal government offices, including the United States Post Office, are closed
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Many banks close for the holiday, although schools and businesses may remain open
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Italian immigrants were among the first to celebrate the achievement of the Genoa native, Christopher Columbus
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There is some controversy whether a land that is already inhabited can be "discovered"USA Today: Disrupt Co. Columbus Day Parade (October 7, 2007)
