Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Before it became a legal federal holiday in 1971, many states celebrated Columbus Day on October 12.

It marks Christopher Columbus’ first voyage to America. He landed on the island of Guanahani in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492.

Columbus, and a crew of 90 people, set sail about ten weeks earlier aboard their ships – Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.

Timeline:
1792 – The first Columbus Day celebration is organized by The Society of St. Tammany and held in New York City, (300th anniversary of Columbus’ landing).

1892 – President Benjamin Harrison issues a proclamation establishing a celebration of Columbus Day on the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ landing.

April 7, 1907 – Colorado becomes the first state to declare Columbus Day a legal holiday.

1920 – Columbus Day begins being celebrated annually.

1971 – Columbus Day becomes a legal federal holiday in the United States.

Presidential Proclamation (PL90-363) states that the observance of Columbus Day is always on the second Monday in October.