Christopher Columbus (Wikipedia)

The first recorded event in history of a Columbus Day celebration in the United States was on October 12, 1792, and it celebrated the 300-year anniversary of Columbus discovering the United States.

Columbus Day officially became a state holiday in Colorado in 1905, but didn’t become a federal holiday until 1970.  In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison announced a celebration of the 400th Columbus Day anniversary. Teachers, preachers, poets and politicians used Columbus Day rituals to teach patriotism to their classes.

In the US the celebration varies greatly from city to city and state to state.  Parades, festivals, and events occur mainly on the holiday itself, but sometimes on the Sunday before. 

Government offices, public schools are closed, but the stock market remains open on Columbus Day.  This day is celebrated by Americans and some other countries celebrate it in honor of the United States.   For more information about Columbus Day, click here.