Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day

Oct 14, 2024- Today is the federal holiday observance of Columbus Day, commemorating the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. The holiday is observed on the second Monday of October, with its origins tracing back to 1792 when New York City and other U.S. cities celebrated the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ landing. It became a federal holiday in 1937, largely due to lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization.

Post offices are closed today, as are some banks and financial institutions. Other agencies operated by the federal government are also closed today.  

While most consider the day as Columbus Day, there’s been a push in recent years to declare the day Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognizing contributions of Native Americans.  

While a federal holiday, today is not considered a state holiday in Mississippi.  

Columbus is credited with opening up the Americas to European exploration and colonization. His four voyages across the Atlantic between 1492 and 1504 laid the groundwork for European colonization of the Western Hemisphere.

Critics argue that Columbus’ arrival led to the widespread displacement, mistreatment, and death of Indigenous peoples through colonization, violence, and the spread of European diseases. Native American groups and their supporters see the holiday as glorifying a colonial legacy marked by exploitation and oppression.

The movement for Indigenous Peoples Day began in 1990 when South Dakota was the first state to rename the holiday. Other states like Maine, New Mexico, and Vermont have also formally adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver have followed suit.

Supporters of Columbus Day argue that it is important to celebrate Columbus’ role in history and the contributions of Italian Americans.