"Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492."
October 9th celebrates Columbus' voyage to the Americas and the history associated with it. Columbus was an Italian sailor whose voyage was sponsored by the Spanish monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand. Columbus intended to sail to China, India, and the Asian area in the search to find spices and gold. Columbus stumbled upon the Bahamas instead.
The Library of Congress states that the first celebration of Columbus Day was held in 1792. Many Italians and Catholics were proud of Columbus since he was of the same faith and ethnicity. They pushed for celebrations to commemorate him. It was officially made a U.S. national holiday by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937. The White House Archives lists proclamations made by past presidents that commemorate this day.
Columbus Day is not a celebration for all. The holiday has been rejected by various groups, predominantly Native Americans. Native Americans protest that Columbus discovered the Americas. They believe that since they were there first, they should be recognized as the discovers of the Americas. In addition, Columbus Day signifies the start of the horrors that their ancestors faced. When the Europeans colonized South America, they brought diseases, warfare and slavery. This contributed to the death of millions. Instead of celebrating Columbus Day, Latin American countries replaced the holiday with the Dia de la Raza. This is a celebration of the diversity of the Hispanic culture.
The OSU Library has many books on Christopher Columbus. Check our catalog to see all of the options.
Columbus Day has different meanings and values to each individual according to how they perceive history. What are your feelings on Columbus Day?
-Emily Hancz
October 9th celebrates Columbus' voyage to the Americas and the history associated with it. Columbus was an Italian sailor whose voyage was sponsored by the Spanish monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand. Columbus intended to sail to China, India, and the Asian area in the search to find spices and gold. Columbus stumbled upon the Bahamas instead.
The Library of Congress states that the first celebration of Columbus Day was held in 1792. Many Italians and Catholics were proud of Columbus since he was of the same faith and ethnicity. They pushed for celebrations to commemorate him. It was officially made a U.S. national holiday by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937. The White House Archives lists proclamations made by past presidents that commemorate this day.
Columbus Day is not a celebration for all. The holiday has been rejected by various groups, predominantly Native Americans. Native Americans protest that Columbus discovered the Americas. They believe that since they were there first, they should be recognized as the discovers of the Americas. In addition, Columbus Day signifies the start of the horrors that their ancestors faced. When the Europeans colonized South America, they brought diseases, warfare and slavery. This contributed to the death of millions. Instead of celebrating Columbus Day, Latin American countries replaced the holiday with the Dia de la Raza. This is a celebration of the diversity of the Hispanic culture.
The OSU Library has many books on Christopher Columbus. Check our catalog to see all of the options.
Columbus Day has different meanings and values to each individual according to how they perceive history. What are your feelings on Columbus Day?
-Emily Hancz
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