|
The history of Columbus Day dates back to October 12, 1492. It marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas.
Columbus Day celebrated its first day as a holiday in Colorado in 1906, becoming a federal holiday in 1937, although people have been celebrating the arrival into the New World since colonial times. New York City celebrated it in 1792, as did some other cities in the United States, as the 300th anniversary of the event.
President Benjamin Harrison called upon the people to celebrate the 400th anniversary in 1892. At this time, teachers, politicians, and poets took this opportunity to spread ideals of patriotism. These teachings include the support for the wars, loyalty to our nation, and a celebration of social progress.
Catholic immigrants began to fight discrimination to insure their safety, and they saw Christopher Columber as a symbol that fought for the right to citizenship for them.
Italians in America celebrate their heritage on this day, and the first of this celebration was on October 12, 1866, in New York City. Angleo Noce, who was a first generation Italian, lobbied for the recognition of Columbus’ discovery in Denver. By 1905, it was proclaimed a holiday by Governor Jesse F. McDonald. The Knights of Columbus also lobbied, and as a result of that, in 1934 Franklin Delanor Roosevelt made it federal holiday, and he called it Columbus Day.
Presently, the holiday is fixed to the second Monday in October. This is coincidentally the same day that Canadians celebrate their own Thanksgiving. It is observed differently in different parts of the country. Some states have parades, and some schools and state services close on the day. Most states recognize it as a state holiday and a Day of Observance or Recognition. The states of Hawaii and South Dakota do not observe the holiday at all.
Share
the Columbus Day
History with your
kids as a bedtime
story.
|
