How Long Has Columbus Day Been a National Holiday? The Surprising History You Didn’t Know

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So, you’re probably wondering, “How long has Columbus Day been a national holiday?” The short answer is that it’s been a federal holiday since 1937. That’s 88 years as of 2025. But wait, there’s more to the story because holidays don’t just pop up overnight. Columbus Day has a long history that goes back even further than that. Let’s take a walk down memory lane.

The first recorded celebration of Columbus Day was in 1792 in New York City, organized by the Society of St. Tammany (yes, that Tammany Hall). But back then it was just a one-off event for the 300th anniversary of Columbus’s landing. Over the next century, Italian immigrants and their descendants pushed for a day to honor Christopher Columbus as a way to celebrate their heritage and gain acceptance in American society. Eventually, states like Colorado, New York, and Pennsylvania started making it a state holiday.

Then in 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially proclaimed Columbus Day a federal holiday. At that time, it was observed on October 12 every year. So for over 30 years, Columbus Day fell on the exact calendar date. But in 1971, thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Columbus Day got moved to the second Monday in October. This was meant to give federal employees a three-day weekend. So technically, depending on how you count, the holiday has been around for a long time, but the modern version with the Monday observance is about 54 years old.

Also, it’s important to know that not all states observe Columbus Day as a paid holiday. Some have replaced it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, like South Dakota, Vermont, and many cities. While it’s still a federal holiday, its actual observance varies. If you’re in a state that doesn’t celebrate Columbus Day, you might still have to work! So the length of time it’s been a national holiday is almost a century, but its status has been changing. Hope that clears up your question!

Questions related to How long has Columbus Day been a national holiday

One common question is: Did Columbus Day become a national holiday right away? No, it took a lot of lobbying from Italian-American groups. Another question: Is Columbus Day still a national holiday in 2025? Yes, it’s still on the federal calendar, but many states and companies now observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. People also ask: How many years has Columbus Day been a national holiday if you include the early state observances? If you count from 1892 when President Harrison issued a proclamation for the 400th anniversary, that would be over 130 years. But the official federal holiday started in 1937. So the most accurate answer is 88 years.

There’s also confusion about whether it’s a public holiday for everyone. The answer is: It’s a federal holiday, meaning government offices are closed, but private businesses can choose to be open. So don’t expect a day off unless you work for the government or a company that observes it. In some places, you’ll get mail delivery and banks open, while in others everything shuts down. It’s a mixed bag.

In summary, Columbus Day has been a national federal holiday since 1937, giving it a history of 88 years. But its roots go back even further to state-level celebrations in the 19th century. Today, the holiday is evolving, with many places recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. So while the official count is 88 years, the story of Columbus Day is much older and still changing. Whether you celebrate it, observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or just enjoy a day off, you’re part of a tradition that’s nearly a century old on the federal level.

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