Summary
Columbus Day is observed differently across U.S. states, with some recognizing it as a paid holiday, others as an unpaid holiday, and some celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day instead. The holiday marks the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas, but it's controversial due to his impact on Indigenous peoples. Some states have stopped celebrating Columbus Day in favor of honoring Indigenous people.
Key Facts
- Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the U.S., with no mail delivery and banks closed.
- 12 states celebrate Columbus Day as a paid holiday.
- Seven states celebrate Columbus Day alongside other holidays like Indigenous Peoples' Day.
- Ten states recognize Columbus Day as an unpaid public holiday.
- In 2019, Maine, Vermont, New Mexico, and the District of Columbia replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day.
- Some states, like Maryland and Washington, have paid holidays honoring Native Americans on different days.
- The holiday is debated because Columbus' arrival led to negative impacts on Indigenous populations.
