Columbus Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Columbus Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Columbus Day is celebrated on October 10th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Columbus Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you need know about Columbus Day.

📅 What day is Columbus Day 2024?

In 2024, Columbus Day is on Tuesday, October 10th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in October; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the cool details and facts about October 10, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Columbus Day is a holiday in the United States celebrated on October 10th to honor Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. However, in recent years, there has been controversy surrounding this holiday due to Columbus’ mistreatment of Native Americans. As a result, many communities in different states have chosen to rename the day Indigenous People’s Day instead. This change allows us to view this day not as a reminder of the past atrocities, but as an opportunity to appreciate the progress we have made. If you have the day off, take this chance to learn about Native American culture and explore the history of our country.

📜 Columbus Day History

In recent years, Christopher Columbus Day has become increasingly controversial due to the brutal actions he inflicted upon Native Americans. Many view Columbus as an ineffective navigator who mistakenly believed he had reached India upon arriving in the Americas. Moreover, he is held accountable for the enslavement, mutilation, and genocide of countless indigenous people. Consequently, Columbus Day has transformed from a day of pride to a solemn reminder of a dark chapter in American history. Since the 1970s, several states have advocated for renaming the holiday as National Indigenous Peoples Day, aiming to acknowledge Native Americans and honor their rich history and culture. This change has been officially recognized as a state holiday in numerous states.

✅ Columbus Day Facts

🔖 Dead Men Leave No Tails
When Columbus ventured to establish the initial European settlement in the Americas, he left behind over 40 crew members. However, upon his return in the autumn of 1493, he discovered that none of his crew had survived.

🔖 To Spain in Chains
In August 1500, there was a strong outcry from the public to have Columbus arrested and imprisoned. To address this, a representative from the royal court was sent to Hispaniola to bring Columbus back to Spain as a prisoner. Surprisingly, King Ferdinand decided to set Columbus free instead and even provided support for his fourth expedition.

🔖 The Santa Maria wrecked
Columbus’s primary vessel encountered a coral reef along the northern shoreline of Hispaniola on the evening of December 24th, 1492.

👍 Why Is Columbus Day Important

Columbus Day serves as an annual reminder that becoming an American was a journey for the majority of our forefathers. Regardless of where your ancestors came from, Columbus Day is an occasion to reflect on what our forefathers and our friends’ ancestors had to accomplish to establish a comfortable existence.
As the Indigenous Peoples Day movement demonstrates, Columbus Day does not pass without mention of the suffering that the aboriginals endured as a result of Columbus’ conquests. Everyone gains when we take the time to reflect on the difficult facts of our past in the hopes of being better people in the future.
While Columbus Day did not obtain governmental recognition until the twentieth century, Americans celebrated it as early as 1792, on the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage.

🙂 How To Observe Columbus Day

⚡ Buy Native Products
By purchasing artwork, handmade clothing, or any product created by indigenous people, you not only contribute to their local economy but also help preserve their culture. These items are not only exquisitely crafted but also of the utmost quality. Owning them will provide you with something unique and cherished for years to come.

⚡ Get better acquainted with American History
It is important to acknowledge and honor the indigenous communities who inhabited this region prior to the arrival of European settlers. Avoid making assumptions about their history, as the education you received in school might have primarily focused on European perspectives, lacking in-depth knowledge about the Native culture and history.

⚡ Use it as a platform to discuss current events
Rather than disregarding the topic, it is crucial to have conversations about Native American life and the difficulties they face. By sharing stories and addressing native issues, we can help raise awareness and understanding.

📅 When is Columbus Day?

Discover all 🔗 October holidays, including 🔗 Federal and other 🔗 Historical holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Columbus Day. So be sure to check back soon.