The 12 October US holiday is observed differently across states, with some marking Columbus Day and others recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day. This federal observance honors Italian-American heritage or Native American history, depending on local traditions.
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. First proclaimed a national holiday in 1937, it became a federal holiday in 1971. The day celebrates Italian-American heritage and contributions, with many Italian-Americans tracing their roots to Columbus's voyages.
Since the 1990s, some states and cities have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day to recognize Native American cultures and histories. As of 2023, 14 states and Washington, D.C., observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day. This shift reflects growing awareness of the negative impacts of colonization on Native communities.
The observance varies by state. Some states, like New York and Ohio, still celebrate Columbus Day, while others, such as Minnesota and Vermont, observe Indigenous Peoples' Day. A few states, including Alaska and Hawaii, have their own state holidays on this date.
| State | Observance |
|---|---|
| New York | Columbus Day |
| Minnesota | Indigenous Peoples' Day |
| Alaska | Alaska Day |
While the 12 October US holiday is a federal holiday, not all federal employees receive the day off. Federal offices in Washington, D.C., close, but those in states observing different holidays may remain open. Banks and postal services typically close nationwide, regardless of local observances.
Many people assume the entire country observes Columbus Day uniformly. However, the holiday's name and significance vary widely. Another misconception is that Indigenous Peoples' Day completely replaces Columbus Day nationwide, but this is not yet the case.
According to the US Senate, the holiday's purpose is to honor Italian-American heritage, not to celebrate Columbus himself. Meanwhile, Indigenous Peoples' Day aims to acknowledge Native American resilience and cultural contributions, as outlined by the National Congress of American Indians.
Growing up in New York, I always associated October 12 with Columbus Day parades and Italian festivals. However, during college in Minnesota, I experienced Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrations, including educational events about Native American history. This shift in perspective highlighted the evolving nature of American holidays.