Columbus Day History
The adventure began with a quest for a simpler spice route. Columbus sought Queen Isabella’s backing for years before he set sail with a promise of the potential title of “Admiral of All the Oceans” as well as one tenth of the riches reaped from his discoveries.
He sailed with a 90 man crew on three ships (the Santa Maria, the Nina and the Pinta) for two long months filled with sickness, famine and exhaustion.
On October 12, 1492 he landed at what is now the Caribbean Islands; called Guanahani by the Indians and deemed San Salvador by Columbus. Swirls of controversy surround the quest to pinpoint Columbus’s landing location even today with a group from Miami, Florida believing he landed on Conception Island. He landed in Cuba (mistaking it for Japan) and then proceeded to make three additional voyages before his death in 1506 at the age of 55.
The first celebration of Columbus’ landing was officially held in New York City in 1792 with a monument dedicated to his discoveries. On October 12, 1866 the Italian population in New York City celebrated Columbus, the word spread and celebrations started across the country. The Italians in San Francisco were the first to call it “Columbus Day”. Another statue of Columbus was raised in New York City at the beginning of Columbus Avenue in 1892.
Colorado was the first state to observe Columbus Day in 1905. Over 30 more years elapsed before President Roosevelt deemed that “Columbus Day” would be a federal holiday held on the twelve of October. It was during President Nixon’s presidency in 1971 that the celebration was changed to be observed on the second Monday in October.
Columbus Day State Exceptions
There are state exceptions to the celebration as follows:
- California – Berkeley, California celebrates Columbus Day as “Peoples Day”.
- Hawaii - Celebrates “Discoverers Day”.
- Nevada - Does not celebrate Columbus Day as a legal holiday.
- South Dakota - Celebrates “Native American Day”.
Although Americans are well aware of the general reason for the Columbus Day Celebration, many are left in confusion as to what businesses are open and what are closed.
Columbus Day Closures
- Banks
- United States Postal Service
- State offices
- Government offices
- Many schools
Open On Columbus Day
- Stock exchange
- Retail stores
- Federal Express, United Parcel Service and DHL
Columbus Day Sales
Sales abound on Columbus Day with traditional markdowns and marked savings on the following:
- Autos
- Bicycles
- Digital Cameras
- Gas Grills
- Housewares
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Winter Coats
Columbus, perhaps, would have enjoyed seeing “spice” added to the list.
Sources:
United States Embassy Stockholm
Time Almanac
Consumer Reports
