For many, Columbus Day is a day off from work or school, marked by parades and sales. But behind the familiar name lies a history filled with surprising details, controversies, and shifts in cultural perspective. From its first celebration to its contested legacy, these facts provide a more complete picture of this American holiday. You might be surprised by what you learn about its journey from a local commemoration to a national observance.

1. It Was First Celebrated In New York City

The very first recorded celebration of Columbus Day in the United States took place in New York City in 1792. Organized by the Tammany Hall political society, the event marked the 300th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas. This initial commemoration set a precedent, but it took nearly another century for the holiday to gain more widespread recognition. The celebration was a local affair, designed to honor the "discovery" of the New World and promote a sense of American identity.

2. It Became A Federal Holiday To Combat Discrimination

Columbus Day did not become a national holiday until 1937, following a determined campaign by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian Americans faced intense prejudice and discrimination. The Knights of Columbus saw the establishment of a national holiday honoring an Italian explorer as a way to instill pride in their heritage and push back against anti-immigrant sentiment.

By lobbying President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Congress, they successfully positioned Christopher Columbus as a heroic figure for Italian Americans to rally behind. The holiday was officially established as a means of recognizing their contributions to American society and promoting cultural acceptance.

3. Columbus Never Actually Set Foot In North America

One of the most surprising facts for many Americans is that Christopher Columbus never landed on the mainland of North America. During his four voyages between 1492 and 1504, his expeditions explored parts of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola, as well as parts of Central and South America.

His goal was to find a westward sea route to Asia, and he believed he had reached the East Indies. The lands he "discovered" were already inhabited by thriving Indigenous cultures. The popular image of Columbus landing at Plymouth Rock or another site in the present-day United States is a common historical misconception.

4. His Ships Were Surprisingly Small

The three ships that made the famous 1492 voyage—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María—were much smaller than most people imagine. The Santa María, the largest of the three, was likely only about 60 feet long. To put that in perspective, it's shorter than a modern-day basketball court.

The Niña and the Pinta were even smaller caravels, measuring around 50 feet each. These small wooden vessels carried about 90 crew members across the vast, unknown Atlantic Ocean. The journey was a significant feat of navigation and endurance, especially given the cramped and challenging conditions aboard the ships.

5. Many Places Now Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day

In recent decades, there has been a growing movement to reconsider the celebration of Columbus Day. Critics argue that honoring Columbus overlooks the devastating impact his arrival had on Indigenous populations, including violence, disease, and the beginning of centuries of colonization.

As a direct response to the controversy, many cities, states, and universities across the United States have chosen to officially replace or rename Columbus Day. They now celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on the second Monday of October. This alternative holiday celebrates the history, culture, and resilience of Native American communities. Proponents see it as a way to acknowledge a more accurate history and to honor the people who were the first inhabitants of the Americas.