Columbus Day is recognized in many parts of the United Sates. Celebrations include special events, parades, religious services, and other interesting festivities. In some areas, schools and businesses are closed. Columbus Day became a federal holiday in 1937; therefore, the Post Office and federal offices observe the holiday. Interestingly, Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving fall concurrently; these commemorations are always on the second Monday in October.
As we know, Columbus Day pays tribute to the 1492 sailing of Christopher Columbus to the New World. Some groups originally rejected the notion of a holiday because of Columbus’ Catholic background. Other groups have been (and continue to be) resistant to Columbus Day because Western colonization led to the displacing and/or marginalizing of indigenous people and their customs. Some Italian Americans take special pride in the day because they feel the honor reflects positively upon their heritage. Columbus Day celebrations in New York City and San Francisco are particularly festive.
So what else is there to know about this intriguing traveler? Here are a few things.
- Columbus was born in 1451 and is the oldest of five children. Genoa is believed to be his birthplace (although some people question that location).
- Columbus seafaring career began in Portugal as a merchant marine.
- Columbus worked in Lisbon as a chart and map maker.
- Columbus suffered a shipwreck in 1476.
- Columbus was once a sugar buyer for a Genovese firm.
- Columbus married a Portuguese woman, Felipa Perestrello e Moniz, who hailed from a noble family.
- Columbus had two sons, one from Felipa, his wife.
- In 1492, Columbus received royal support from Spain to journey across the Atlantic.
- Columbus sailed on the Santa Maria during his voyage. The two other ships he led were the Nina and Pinta.
- On October 12, 1492, Columbus landed in the Bahamas.
- Columbus landed in Cuba on October 28, 1492.
- The Santa Maria sunk off the coast of Hispana on December 5, 1492.
- Columbus started Spanish settlements in the New World before his January 16, 1493, return voyage to Spain.
- Columbus embarked upon a total of four transatlantic journeys.
- Columbus passed in 1506.
Christopher Columbus was not the first European explorer to reach the Americas, but he undoubtedly is the most acknowledged. Interestingly, he never did step foot on the North American mainland. Nevertheless, Columbus is honored throughout the Americas and Spain for his impressive contribution to history as some understand it; and his legacy will forever leave a mark of courageous exploration.
