The second Monday in October holds a unique, and often complicated, place on the American calendar. For many, it’s Columbus Day, a federal holiday celebrating Italian-American heritage and the European “discovery” of the Americas. For a growing number of cities, states, and individuals, it is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a time to honor the history, culture, and resilience of Native American communities.
This simultaneous observance reflects a profound cultural shift and a reckoning with the narratives of American history. Understanding the origins of both holidays is key to appreciating this ongoing national conversation.
The Genesis of Columbus Day
The holiday honoring Italian explorer Christopher Columbus has roots stretching back centuries, well before it became a national holiday.
Early Commemorations (18th-19th Century)
- 1792: The first recorded celebration took place in New York City, marking the 300th anniversary of Columbus’s 1492 landing in the Bahamas.
- Mid-to-Late 1800s: Annual celebrations, often led by Italian and Catholic communities, emerged in major cities like New York and San Francisco. For Italian immigrants facing discrimination, Columbus, an Italian Catholic, became a source of ethnic pride and a figure to champion their heritage in America.
Becoming a Federal Holiday
- 1892: President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation for the 400th anniversary of the voyage, encouraging a national celebration and promoting patriotism.
- 1937: Largely due to lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially declared Columbus Day a national holiday.
- 1971: Congress moved the observance to the second Monday in October to create a three-day weekend.
For generations, Columbus Day was celebrated as a commemoration of the “Age of Exploration” and the start of European-American history, solidifying the narrative of Columbus as a heroic figure.
The Rise of Indigenous Peoples’ Day
The movement to replace Columbus Day is a direct response to the long-ignored historical truth about Columbus’s voyages: they heralded centuries of European colonization, which brought enslavement, disease, genocide, and the mass displacement of Indigenous peoples.
The Call for Recognition
- 1977: The idea of replacing Columbus Day was first formally proposed by Indigenous delegates at a United Nations-sponsored conference in Geneva, Switzerland, to counter discrimination and the inaccurate historical narrative.
- The Red Power Movement: American Indian activism, particularly during the Civil Rights and “Red Power” movements of the 1960s and 70s, brought greater visibility to Native American issues and history, laying the groundwork for change.
Official Adoption and Momentum
- 1989: South Dakota became the first state to officially observe the day, renaming it Native American Day.
- 1992: On the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival, Berkeley, California, became the first city to officially replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This move became a template for other municipalities.
- Ongoing Growth: Since the 1990s, the movement has steadily gained momentum. Over a dozen states and more than 100 cities now officially celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Native American Day in place of, or in addition to, Columbus Day.
- 2021: President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a significant move at the federal level, though Columbus Day remains the official federal holiday.
Summary
Today, the second Monday in October is a day of dual meaning.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day seeks to correct the historical record, acknowledging the violence and devastation of colonization while honoring the enduring cultures, contributions, and sovereignty of the hundreds of Native nations who have inhabited the Americas for millennia. Celebrations often involve educational events, cultural festivals, and ceremonies focusing on truth-telling and resilience.
Columbus Day continues to be celebrated by others as a way to honor Italian-American heritage and the spirit of exploration.
The existence of both holidays on the same date highlights a fundamental cultural and historical debate in the United States—a debate over whose history is told, whose heritage is celebrated, and what values the nation chooses to commemorate.
Happy Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day from all of us at Live South Florida Realty, Inc.!
Are you thinking of buying or selling a home in the South Florida area? We can help! Contact Natasha at Live South Florida Realty, Inc. today! Also, be sure to download the free Florida Home Search App for your smartphone or tablet today!
