Columbus Day is the celebration of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. In the US, it is celebrated by all US states except for Hawaii, South Dakota and Alaska. Columbus Day occurs on the second Monday in October each year.
Columbus Day Facts & Quotes
Colorado was the first state to officially recognize and celebrate Columbus Day in 1906.
In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared October 12th every year as Columbus Day.
In 1971, the official holiday was moved to the second Monday in October in order to give workers in the US a long weekend. This was part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. - Robert F. Kennedy
Many Italian-Americans celebrate their heritage with special celebrations on this date.
Columbus Day Top Events and Things to Do
Attend a Columbus Day Parade. The parade in New York City is one of the largest.
Eat some good Italian food.
Watch a parade.
Visit the Library of Congress's online exhibit 1492: An Ongoing Voyage.
Host a scavenger hunt for the neighborhood kids and let them become Explorer's for the afternoon.
Columbus Day References and Related Sites
US Office of Personnel Management
Library of Congress: 1492, An Ongoing Voyage
