Columbus Day
In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail on a voyage to find a shorter trade route to Asia. He traveled west and accidentally landed in the Americas, spawning the era of European exploration in the New World.
The first celebration of his discovery did not take place until October 12, 1792—exactly 300 years after his landing. In 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed Columbus Day a national holiday, observed each year on the second Monday of October.
Today is also Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which serves as a counter-holiday to Columbus Day. Observed in at least 17 states, it is meant to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions and achievements of the Native Population.
Take a moment today to learn something new about Christopher Columbus and commemorate his voyage to the New World.
- October 08, 2012 is also National Fluffernutter Day | American Tag Day | Thanksgiving (Canada) | Simchat Torah
- October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month | National Breast Cancer Awareness Month | National Chili Month | National Dessert Month | National Pasta Month | National Roller Skating Month
- This week is Fire Prevention Week | World Space Week
