Columbus Day is celebrated in the United States to commemorate the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. It is observed on the second Monday in October and originally started as a way to honor Columbus's achievement of opening up the Americas to European exploration and colonization. The holiday also became a celebration of Italian American heritage, especially after Italian immigrants faced discrimination in the U.S. in the late 19th century. The first Columbus Day celebration was held in 1792, and it was made a federal holiday in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Columbus Day has a complex history, with some celebrating it as a symbol of bravery and exploration while others criticize it for overlooking the negative consequences of Columbus's arrival, including the impact on Indigenous populations. As a result, some states and cities have replaced or celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on the same date to honor Native American heritage and history instead.