Columbus Day, celebrated annually on the second Monday of October, has long been a subject of debate in the United States. Originally established to honor Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer credited with “discovering” the Americas, the holiday has evolved into a contentious day of discussion around its historical implications. While Columbus Day has been a national holiday in the U.S. for over a century, its observance, meaning, and impact are still a source of division. For many, Columbus Day is an opportunity to reflect on the so-called discovery of America, while for others, it serves as a reminder of the harmful legacy of colonialism, oppression, and violence that followed Columbus’ arrival in the Western Hemisphere.
This article delves into whether Columbus Day is recognized as a national holiday in the United States, examining its historical origins, how it has been observed over the years, the controversies surrounding its observance, and the evolving debate over its relevance in contemporary American culture.
The Origins of Columbus Day
Early Celebrations and Recognition
Christopher Columbus’s landing in the Americas on October 12, 1492, marked a significant event in world history. His voyages, sponsored by the Spanish monarchy, opened the Americas to European exploration and colonization. However, the idea of celebrating Columbus and his “discovery” of the New World was not immediately established in the United States.
The first public celebration of Columbus’s landing occurred in 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of his arrival. A group of Italian Americans in New York City organized the event, recognizing Columbus as a symbol of Italian heritage and pride. The celebration, while relatively small, was one of the early indicators of the eventual push to make Columbus Day an official holiday in the United States.
In the late 19th century, there was growing support for the establishment of a national holiday to honor Columbus, largely driven by the Italian-American community. During this period, Italians were one of the largest immigrant groups arriving in the U.S., and many faced discrimination and prejudice. Celebrating Columbus as a national hero provided a way for Italian Americans to assert their identity and gain social recognition.
The push for Columbus Day as a national holiday gained momentum in the 1890s. In 1892, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s landing, President Benjamin Harrison declared a national observance, urging Americans to celebrate the occasion with ceremonies, parades, and events. This event marked the beginning of a national recognition of Columbus and paved the way for the establishment of Columbus Day as an official holiday.
Columbus Day Becomes a Federal Holiday
In 1937, after decades of lobbying by Italian-American organizations, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a proclamation declaring Columbus Day a national holiday. The decision to recognize Columbus Day as a federal holiday was seen as a victory for the Italian-American community, cementing Columbus’s place in American history as a symbol of discovery, exploration, and the nation’s immigrant roots.
Since its establishment as a federal holiday, Columbus Day has been observed on the second Monday in October, as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, which sought to provide more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers by moving the celebration of certain holidays to Mondays. Columbus Day is now recognized as a federal holiday, with most government offices, schools, and businesses closed for the day.
The Controversy Surrounding Columbus Day
While Columbus Day was established to honor the achievements of Columbus, it has also become a deeply controversial holiday. Critics of the holiday argue that Columbus’s arrival in the Americas marked the beginning of a centuries-long period of colonization, violence, and exploitation of indigenous peoples across the Americas. As a result, many Native American groups, civil rights activists, and others have called for the holiday to be renamed or abolished altogether.
The Legacy of Columbus’s Voyages
While Columbus’s voyages undeniably changed the course of history by connecting the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) with the New World (the Americas), they also set in motion a wave of violence, enslavement, and colonization that devastated indigenous cultures throughout the Americas. Columbus’s arrival in the Caribbean was followed by the brutal treatment of the indigenous Taino people, who were subjected to forced labor, violence, and diseases brought by the Europeans. Over time, European colonization spread across the continent, leading to the displacement, destruction, and near-extermination of many indigenous tribes and cultures.
For many Native Americans, Columbus symbolizes the beginning of centuries of injustice, loss of land, forced assimilation, and cultural erasure. The celebration of Columbus Day, they argue, perpetuates the glorification of a figure responsible for bringing about the subjugation and suffering of indigenous peoples. The holiday, in this view, does not honor the history or culture of Native Americans but instead reinforces a narrative of colonial triumph at their expense.
Reevaluation of Columbus’s Legacy in Modern Times
Over the past few decades, there has been a growing movement to reconsider Columbus’s legacy and the impact of European colonization on indigenous peoples. This reevaluation has led to increased calls for the abolition of Columbus Day or the renaming of the holiday to better reflect indigenous perspectives. Advocates for change argue that the holiday perpetuates a one-sided historical narrative that fails to acknowledge the atrocities committed during the colonization of the Americas.
In response to these calls, several cities and states in the U.S. have decided to either abolish or replace Columbus Day with alternative observances that focus on indigenous peoples. These alternative celebrations include Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day that honors the history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans while acknowledging the devastating impact of colonization.
Where Columbus Day is Still Celebrated
Despite the growing controversy surrounding Columbus Day, the holiday is still officially recognized in many parts of the United States, particularly at the federal level. However, the manner in which the holiday is celebrated, and its significance, varies widely depending on the region and local attitudes toward the holiday.
Federal Observance and State Recognition
Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, meaning that federal government offices and institutions are closed, and employees are generally given the day off. However, its observance is not uniform across all states. While some states fully recognize Columbus Day, others have adopted alternative celebrations or chosen not to observe the holiday at all.
As of today, only a handful of states, including Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, and Oregon, officially do not recognize Columbus Day as a public holiday. In these states, either Indigenous Peoples’ Day or other observances are recognized instead. South Dakota, for example, celebrates Native American Day on the second Monday of October, replacing Columbus Day as an opportunity to honor indigenous communities and their cultural contributions.
Several other states, including Vermont, New Mexico, and Maine, have chosen to rename Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, either through legislation or executive action. These shifts reflect a broader desire to confront the historical wrongs associated with Columbus’s voyages and to better acknowledge the experiences of indigenous peoples.
Local Celebrations and Protests
In addition to the state-level changes, individual cities and communities have also taken steps to address the controversy surrounding Columbus Day. In some cities, local governments have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while others continue to celebrate the holiday with parades and events.
One example is the city of Berkeley, California, which has officially recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day since 1992. Similarly, in 2020, the Los Angeles City Council voted to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day in a symbolic gesture to recognize the indigenous communities of California. Other cities, such as Denver and Albuquerque, also host Indigenous Peoples’ Day events.
At the same time, there are still places where Columbus Day continues to be celebrated with parades, festivities, and public events. In cities such as New York, Columbus Day parades have long been a fixture of the holiday, with Italian-American communities organizing large-scale events to honor Columbus’s legacy and their contributions to American society.
The National Debate: Changing Attitudes Toward Columbus Day
The debate surrounding Columbus Day is ongoing, with a national conversation that continues to evolve. Advocates for keeping the holiday argue that Columbus Day is an important part of American history, marking a pivotal moment in world exploration and the development of the United States. They view Columbus as a symbol of discovery, adventure, and the spirit of exploration.
On the other side of the debate, those who oppose Columbus Day argue that it perpetuates a harmful historical narrative and ignores the devastating impact of European colonization on indigenous communities. For these individuals, the renaming or abolition of Columbus Day represents an important step toward reconciliation and justice for Native Americans.
Conclusion: Is Columbus Day a National Holiday?
Yes, Columbus Day remains a national holiday in the United States, recognized by the federal government and observed across the country, though its observance is not universal. While many states and cities continue to celebrate the holiday in traditional ways, there is a growing movement to rename the day or replace it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The debate over Columbus Day raises important questions about how history is remembered and whose voices are heard in the narrative of American identity. As the country continues to reckon with its colonial past, the future of Columbus Day may look very different, reflecting a more inclusive and honest recognition of the diverse histories that have shaped the nation.
Ultimately, Columbus Day is not only a question of historical memory but also a question of how the United States chooses to honor its people—whether through the continued celebration of one figure or the recognition of a broader, more inclusive historical narrative. As the conversation around Columbus Day continues to unfold, it remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to address historical injustices and to create a more equitable and understanding society.
Related topics:
Why Is Labor Day in September?