Was Columbus Day Ever a Federal Holiday?
Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, has been a topic of debate and controversy for many years. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether Columbus Day was ever a federal holiday. The answer to this question is both yes and no, depending on the perspective and the time period in question.
In the United States, Columbus Day was first celebrated in 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. However, it was not until 1937 that Columbus Day was officially designated as a federal holiday. This decision was made by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who signed the bill into law on June 28, 1937. The federal holiday was established to honor the achievements of Christopher Columbus and to promote national pride and unity.
Despite its official status as a federal holiday, the celebration of Columbus Day has been met with criticism and controversy over the years. Many Native American groups and activists argue that the holiday commemorates the brutal colonization and oppression of indigenous peoples by European explorers, including Columbus. As a result, some states and cities have either replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day or declared it a holiday without naming it after Columbus.
In 1992, the United States celebrated the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. While this anniversary was celebrated with various events and commemorations, it did not lead to a change in the federal holiday’s status. In fact, the debate over the holiday’s appropriateness continued to grow, with some calling for its abolition altogether.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order that removed Columbus Day as a federal holiday and replaced it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This decision was made in recognition of the historical and ongoing struggles faced by Native American communities and to promote a more inclusive and accurate understanding of American history.
In conclusion, while Columbus Day was once a federal holiday, its status has been a subject of debate and change over the years. The holiday’s celebration has been met with both praise and criticism, and its official status has been altered to reflect a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of American history.
