Columbus Day

Worksheet Description

Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday of October in the United States, commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. It is a federal holiday and is meant to honor Columbus’s historical voyage, which opened the door to European exploration and colonization of the Americas. Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing under the flag of Spain, reached the islands of the Caribbean during his famous journey, believing he had reached Asia.

Columbus Day has been celebrated in the United States since the 18th century and was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1937. It is marked by parades, cultural events, and ceremonies in various parts of the country. However, in recent years, there has been growing controversy and debate surrounding the holiday, with some advocating for its reevaluation due to concerns about Columbus’s impact on Indigenous peoples and the complex history of European colonization in the Americas. As a result, in some places, the holiday has been renamed Indigenous Peoples’ Day to shift the focus toward acknowledging and honoring the contributions and histories of Indigenous cultures in the Americas.