Columbus Day, officially recognized in many states and municipalities as Indigenous Peoples' Day in the United States, is being observed nationwide on Monday, October 12, 2026. Designated as one of the nation's 11 statutory federal holidays, Columbus Day brings closure of federal institutions, courthouse complexes, and traditional banking channels. But you would be surprised to know that the American origins of Columbus Day, a federal holiday established in 1937, show us that the modern celebration has less to do with Christopher Columbus and his voyages to the Caribbean.
