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History Of Columbus Day

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What Is Columbus Day?

Columbus Day is celebrated in America each year on the second Monday in October. When did this tradition start? Learn more about the history of Columbus Day. Find out which countries celebrate Columbus Day and what cities in America have parades. Read about Christopher Columbus and his importance in the colonization of the New World.
graphic from clipart.com.

Cities Named For Columbus In America

Most people have heard of Columbus, Ohio. But did you know about the rest of these cities? Some are named Columbus, but others are named FOR Christopher Columbus with a slight variation. This great explorer is well remembered across the United States.
  • COLUMBUS OHIO
  • COLUMBUS GEORGIA
  • COLUMBUS INDIANA
  • COLUMBUS WISCONSIN
  • COLUMBUS MISSISSIPPI
  • COLUMBIA MISSOURI
  • COLUMBIA MARYLAND
  • DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (D.C.)
  • BRITISH COLUMBIA (Canada)
  • COLUMBIA PENNSYLVANIA

Columbus Day Holiday and History Books

Fun books about the Columbus Day holiday.

Here are some colorful books that tell more about the history of Columbus and the celebration of Columbus Day.
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Celebrating Columbus Day in 2011

When I was a little girl in grade school, Columbus Day was a big celebration. Leading up to it we would prepare by making paper replicas of the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, the ships Columbus and his expedition party sailed in. I remember reenacting Columbus arriving in the Americas in one school class and each year having to write about the dangers of the voyage he made and the historical significance of what he found in 1492.
As an adult, Columbus Day is just another day on the calendar in many cities and while government workers get the day off and no mail is delivered, it makes me wonder if it might be a good thing to also have a school holiday to recognize the amazing role played by Christopher Columbus in the pre-history of America. Take the poll below and vote on whether or not you think we should have a national day off for Columbus Day.!

Poll Module

Columbus Day is a national holiday, but not necessarily one that is celebrated by getting the day off from regular activities. Government workers get the day, but most schools are in session and it is business as usual for most establishments. Vote here and see if your opinion is the same as others about whether or not the country's public schools should all take a day off to celebrate Columbus Day.

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Happy Columbus Day T-shirts

Cute Columbus Day design for kids or adults.
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Columbus Day Trivia

What do you know about the history of Columbus Day?

Here are a few fun facts about Columbus Day.
  • Columbus Day is celebrated on the 2nd Monday in October in the United States.
  • Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the same day the United States celebrates Columbus Day.
  • In 1971, Congress officially declared the 2nd Monday of October to be designated as Columbus Day each year.
  • In 1905, Colorado was the first state to officially celebrate "Columbus Day".
  • In South America, many countries call Columbus Day "Dia De La Raza" or Day Of The Race.
  • Some cities that hold Columbus Day parades include: Denver, New York City, Baltimore, Rochester, Philadelphia and Chicago.

Countdown to Columbus Day

Columbus Day: October 10, 2012

Kids Books About Columbus

Fun books for kids that teach about Christopher Columbus.

These books are a great way to introduce children to the story of Columbus.
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Columbus - A Hero or A Conqueror

Depending on what you read, Columbus can be portrayed as a hero who found the Americas and helped open a new continent for settlement and religious expansion, or a conqueror who profited from exploiting trusting natives and taking what they owned. What do you think? How do you see the role of Columbus in history?

Who was Columbus really?

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Columbus was a hero and deserves a holiday in his honor.

Columbus was just another adventurer who profited from others.

 

Columbus Day Photos

Here are some fun Columbus Day parade photos from various parts of America.
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    I like the lens and I learned a few things, but he showed up quite late to the party and miraculously took all the credit for the find.
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    Nice lens! I love your Columbus Day designs!
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