Columbus Day was established as a federal holiday by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937. The federal holiday is observed on the second Monday of October, commemorating Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Columbus Day was established to celebrate the historic significance of Columbus’s voyage, which opened the door for European exploration and settlement in the New World.
Indigenous Day is not yet a federal holiday, but it has gained increasing recognition across the United States as an alternative to Columbus Day. While some states and cities have officially replaced or observed it alongside Columbus Day, it is not yet recognized at the federal level. Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans.