5 Fascinating Facts About Columbus Day You May Not Have Known
Columbus Day is a significant event that honors Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12th, 1492. It’s a day that sparks controversy and fierce debate among the people about its celebration. Though Columbus Day has been a holiday in the United States since 1937, it hasn’t been without its controversies.
Here are 5 fascinating facts about Columbus Day that you may not have known:
Fact 1: Columbus Never Set Foot on American Soil
Many people associate Columbus’s discovery with him stepping onto American soil. However, he never arrived in America during his four voyages across the Atlantic. Instead, he landed on several Caribbean islands and the coast of Venezuela.
Fact 2: Columbus Day’s True Date Wasn’t Recognized Until the 1700s
While Columbus Day is celebrated on October 12th, it wasn’t recognized as the true date of Columbus’s arrival until the late 1700s. In previous centuries, people often celebrated Columbus’s feat on different dates, including the landing date of the First Fleet in the United States on October 21st, 1792.
Fact 3: The U.S Government Did Not Recognize Columbus Day Until the 1930s
Even though Columbus Day was celebrated throughout the country, it wasn’t until 1937 that the United States Government officially recognized it as a federal holiday. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Columbus Day as a national holiday to commemorate Columbus’s achievements and contributions to world exploration.
Fact 4: Columbus Day Celebrates Italian-American Heritage
Columbus Day is often seen as a celebration of Italian-American heritage, as it honors the Italian explorer who discovered the New World. Italian-Americans first began celebrating Columbus Day in the late 1800s, during a time when they faced discrimination and prejudice.
Fact 5: Columbus Day is Not Celebrated in Every State
Although Columbus Day is a federal holiday, not every state celebrates it. In fact, Hawai’i and South Dakota do not recognize Columbus Day as an official holiday. Instead, Hawai’i celebrates Discoverers’ Day, which honors the Polynesians who first discovered the Hawaiian Islands, while South Dakota observes Native American Day.
In conclusion, Columbus Day is a holiday that commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. It’s a day that celebrates Italian-American heritage and recognizes his contributions to world exploration. However, it’s also a day that sparks controversy, especially among Native American groups who view Columbus as a symbol of oppression and colonialism. Understanding these facts about Columbus Day can help us appreciate its significance and celebrate it in a more informed way.
