Who made Columbus Day a federal holiday? This question often arises in discussions about the historical significance and cultural implications of the holiday. Celebrated on the second Monday of October, Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. However, the process of making it a federal holiday was not without controversy and debate.
The origin of Columbus Day can be traced back to the late 19th century when it was first celebrated in various cities and states. The first official Columbus Day was celebrated in New York City in 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of Columbus’s birth. Over time, other states and cities followed suit, establishing their own versions of the holiday.
The push to make Columbus Day a federal holiday gained momentum in the early 20th century. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill that declared Columbus Day a federal holiday, making it the first federal holiday to honor a person. This decision was influenced by the growing Italian-American population in the United States, who advocated for the recognition of Columbus as a symbol of Italian heritage and achievement.
However, the creation of Columbus Day as a federal holiday was not without criticism. Many Native American groups and other historians argue that the holiday commemorates the beginning of a tragic era for indigenous peoples in the Americas. They point to the colonization, violence, and loss of culture that followed Columbus’s arrival. As a result, some have called for the holiday to be renamed or replaced with a more inclusive celebration that recognizes the contributions of all people in the Americas.
In recent years, several states and cities have replaced Columbus Day with alternative holidays that honor indigenous peoples or promote cultural diversity. For example, Berkeley, California, renamed the holiday to “Indigenous People’s Day,” while South Dakota does not celebrate Columbus Day at all.
In conclusion, while Columbus Day was made a federal holiday through the efforts of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the support of the Italian-American community, its legacy remains a source of contention. The ongoing debate about the holiday’s true meaning highlights the complexities of history, culture, and identity in the United States.
