Even though Columbus Day became officially a federal holiday only in 1937, Columbus’ voyage has been celebrated since the colonial period.
In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison decreed to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ landing in the “New World” with patriotic festivities, writing…
On that day let the people, so far as possible, cease from toil and devote themselves to such exercises as may best express honor to the discoverer and their appreciation of the great achievements of the four completed centuries of American life.
Since 1971, this holiday is celebrated on the second Monday in October.