Columbus Day, falling on the second Monday of October, remains one of the most inconsistently celebrated holidays across the United States, igniting debates about its relevance and appropriateness over the years.
As a federal holiday, many federal workers enjoy a paid day off, and mail delivery is suspended. However, the observance of Columbus Day can vary dramatically depending on the state or territory. Though many federal offices were closed this year due to an ongoing government shutdown, most private businesses including stock markets and retailers continue operations.
Critics, particularly advocates for Native American rights, have long called for a reevaluation of the holiday. They argue that honoring Christopher Columbus is problematic given his treatment of Indigenous peoples and the historical consequences of European colonization.
To understand the current status of Columbus Day in the United States, the Pew Research Center conducted an analysis to assess how many states and territories officially recognize it as a paid holiday for state workers. The analysis also looked into how many places have adopted alternative observances, such as Indigenous Peoples Day, or provide different names and themes for the holiday.
The study reveals that 30 states and three U.S. territories acknowledge Columbus Day, although the manner in which it is celebrated varies. In all these jurisdictions, the holiday generally falls on the second Monday in October, except for Washington state, which celebrates it on October 12, and Puerto Rico, where it is observed on November 19.
While 20 states and two territories recognize Columbus Day as a paid holiday for state workers—indicating that government offices are typically closed—seven of those states and two territories celebrate it alongside an alternative or more prominent holiday.
In five states, Columbus Day shares its date with Indigenous Peoples Day. American Samoa also acknowledges both holidays through a gubernatorial memorandum each year. Virginia uniquely celebrates Columbus Day alongside Yorktown Victory Day.
Alabama combines Columbus Day with American Indian Heritage Day and Fraternal Day, honoring various social and service clubs. Meanwhile, the U.S. Virgin Islands recognizes Columbus Day but places more emphasis on Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day. Puerto Rico commemorates Columbus’ arrival on November 19 with a paid holiday called Día del Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico, while the second Monday in October is observed as Día de la Raza, celebrating Latin American peoples and cultures.
Several states have moved away from honoring Columbus Day entirely. Delaware discontinued the holiday in 2009, opting instead for a floating holiday for state workers. Additionally, in 2019, Maine, Vermont, New Mexico, and the District of Columbia replaced their paid Columbus Day holidays with Indigenous Peoples Day. In Vermont, collective bargaining agreements allow state employees to utilize Indigenous Peoples Day as a floating holiday.
In 10 states, Columbus Day is classified as a “public holiday” or “legal holiday,” but does not provide a paid day off for state workers. This designation primarily influences financial interactions, contract deadlines, and other commercial matters.
There are unique cases, such as Tennessee, which officially observes Columbus Day but allows the governor to shift the observance to the Friday after Thanksgiving to create an extended weekend for citizens.
In total, 17 states and the District of Columbia celebrate holidays honoring Native Americans on the second Monday in October. Six of these coincide with the recognition of Columbus Day as a paid holiday, while five states have paid holidays solely dedicated to Native American observance and another seven celebrate the occasion as an unpaid day of observance.
Seven of these states also commemorate additional aspects of Native American history and culture on different dates throughout the year. Meanwhile, 18 other states do not have specific holidays to honor Native Americans on the second Monday in October, although they may recognize such observances at other times during the year. Of those, only Maryland and Washington offer paid holidays to honor their Native heritage on the Friday following Thanksgiving.
In Oklahoma, known for hosting 39 Native American tribal nations, multiple observances highlight Indigenous history and culture. The state marks the second Monday in October as Oklahoma Native American Day, an unpaid day of observance, and also recognizes Indian Day, celebrated on the first Saturday following the full moon in September. Furthermore, a law enacted in 1972 mandates the governor to declare an official day for each Native American tribe at their chosen time.
The origins of Columbus Day trace back to 1937, initially celebrated as a tribute to Italian American heritage, largely due to the lobbying efforts by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization. Over time, the holiday transitioned from an observance on October 12 to the second Monday in October in 1971.
In recent years, advocacy efforts by Native American groups and their allies have gained traction, calling for a re-examination of the holiday due to its controversial history and Columbus’ legacy of mistreatment towards Indigenous populations.
Given the ongoing discourse surrounding Columbus Day, its status continues to evolve. States and territories assess how best to recognize the diverse histories and contributions of their residents while navigating the complexities of identity, heritage, and the consequences of historic events. This evolving understanding of Columbus Day underscores broader discussions about representation and reconciliation in contemporary America.
image source from：pewresearch
