Every second Monday in October, many Americans get a day off for Columbus Day. This holiday has evolved significantly over the centuries, sparking debates and celebrations in equal measure. From its origins as a small, local event to its status as a nationwide observance, the story of Columbus Day is filled with surprising turns. Understanding these lesser-known details provides a richer perspective on how and why we mark this day.
Columbus Wasn't Actually Italian
While Christopher Columbus is celebrated as an Italian explorer, his exact birthplace remains hotly debated among historians. Most evidence points to the Republic of Genoa (modern-day Italy), but some scholars argue he could have been from Spain, Portugal, or even Greece. What we do know is that he sailed under the Spanish flag, not the Italian one.
He Never Actually Reached North America
Despite being credited with "discovering" America, Columbus never set foot on what would become the United States mainland. His four voyages between 1492 and 1504 took him to various Caribbean islands, parts of Central America, and the South American coast. The closest he came to North America was Cuba.
Columbus Made Four Voyages, Not One
Popular history often focuses on Columbus's famous 1492 voyage, but he actually made four separate expeditions to the New World. His subsequent journeys in 1493, 1498, and 1502 were attempts to establish permanent settlements and find a passage to Asia. Each voyage brought new challenges and disappointments.
He Died Believing He'd Reached Asia
Columbus went to his grave in 1506 convinced he had found a western route to Asia. Despite mounting evidence that he had encountered an entirely new continent, he stubbornly maintained that the lands he explored were part of the Indies. This explains why indigenous peoples were called "Indians" for centuries.
It's Not Celebrated Everywhere In The U.S.
Several states and cities have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day or don't recognize it at all. Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, and Vermont officially celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day instead. Dozens of cities, including Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver, have made similar switches.
The Bahamas Claims The "Real" Landing Site
While we know Columbus first landed somewhere in the Bahamas, the exact location remains disputed. San Salvador Island is the most commonly accepted site, but some historians argue for other locations, including Samana Cay or Grand Turk Island. The Bahamas celebrates Discovery Day on October 12th.
Vikings Beat Columbus By 500 Years
Norse explorer Leif Erikson reached North America around 1000 CE, nearly 500 years before Columbus. Archaeological evidence at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland confirms Viking settlement. Some states actually celebrate Leif Erikson Day on October 9th instead of Columbus Day.
He Wasn't The First To Believe The Earth Was Round
Contrary to popular myth, educated Europeans already knew the Earth was round long before Columbus. Ancient Greek mathematicians had calculated the planet's circumference centuries earlier. Columbus's error was underestimating the Earth's size, which actually made his voyage seem more feasible than it really was.
Columbus Day Sales Are Big Business
Despite the controversy, Columbus Day weekend remains a major retail period. Many stores offer significant sales, particularly for furniture, appliances, and cars. The three-day weekend makes it attractive for both retailers and consumers, regardless of their feelings about the holiday itself.
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