That was the jingle we were all taught in grammar school when learning about Christopher Columbus’s quest that led him to the New World. 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. Before this, many Europeans believed that the world was flat and ended somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.

Here are a few facts about Columbus Day – some you may know, others you may not know…

• Christopher Columbus originally intended to chart a western sea route to China, India and the gold and spice islands of Asia.

• Columbus traveled with three ships – the Nina, Pinta & Santa Maria

• Columbus could not find funding in Italy so he turned to Spain for the funding, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were kind enough to fund his expedition.

• Columbus Day was first recognized as an official state holiday in Colorado in 1906 thanks to the lobbying of Angelo Noce, a first generation Italian.

• Columbus Day (October 12) became a federal holiday in April 1937, as a result of lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, Congress and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

• Since 1971, the holiday has been fixed to the second Monday in October

• Today, it is generally observed by banks, the U.S. Postal Service and other federal agencies, most state government offices, and some school districts.

• Hawaii and South Dakota are the two states that do not recognize Columbus Day at all, though both mark the day with an alternative holiday or observance.

• Juan Ponce de Leon who has been associated with the Fountain of Youth (believed to be in Florida) accompanied Columbus on his second voyage to the New World.

**Please note New Empire Group, Ltd’s office will be closed on Monday, October 10, 2011 in observance of the Columbus Day holiday. We hope you have a great Columbus Day!

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