Many countries in the New World and elsewhere celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas which occurred on October 12, 1492. This historical event is celebrated as Columbus Day. While debate on the discovery of the New World continues, it is undisputed that Columbus’s trip opened the New World to Europe and was the catalyst for its further exploration and development. Before this, many Europeans believed that the world was flat and ended somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.

Here is a general timeline for the Columbus Day holiday…

• Columbus Day mark’s Columbus’s first voyage to America where he landed on the island of Guanahani in the Bahamas on October 12, 1942.
• In 1792, the first Columbus Day celebration was held in New York City (the 300^th Anniversary of Columbus’ landing) organized by the Society of St. Tammany.
• In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison issues a proclamation establishing a celebration of Columbus Day on the 400^th Anniversary of Columbus’ landing.
• Colorado became the first state to declare Columbus Day a legal holiday on April 7, 1907.
• Columbus Day finally begins to be celebrated annually in 1920.
• Columbus Day became a legal federal holiday in 1971.

**Please note our office will be closed on Monday, October 13^th in observance of the Columbus Day holiday! Have a great weekend!

Source: CNN.com