Columbus Day is celebrated on the 2nd

Monday in October in honor of Christopher

Columbus's 1492 discovery of America. For many

this is a controversial holiday in that some people

believe that Columbus was not a hero. In his conquest

of the New World, Columbus often claimed land

 that already belonged to other people and mistreated

 the inhabitants of these areas. In many areas

Columbus Day now focuses on the discovery of the

New World rather than the actions of one man.

The first celebration of Columbus Day took place

on October 12, 1792 and in 1937 October 12,

became a Federal Holiday. President Johnson moved

 the holiday to the 2nd Monday in October in 1968

to create a three-day weekend. Many celebrate this

holiday with parades and parties sponsored by Italian-American groups

Pictures Of The Day