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On October 12, 1492,
Italian navigator
Christopher Columbus
landed in the New World.
Although most other
nations of the Americas
observe this holiday on
October 12, in the
United States it takes
place on the second
Monday in October.
This U.S. holiday
honors the European
discovery of America.
The last several years
has brought a wave of
multicultural awareness
which has spun dissent
about this holiday. The
controversy came to a
head in 1992, the 500th
anniversary of the
"discovery or conquest"
of America depending on
individual perspective.
The discovery of
America happened before
dawn, on October 12,
1492, when the lookout
of the "Pinta" shouted
"Tierra! Tierra!" This
happy news came when the
dauntless explorer was
almost ready to give in
to his men's demands
that he turn back and
give up the expedition.
Today, Columbus Day
is a holiday in the
United States, and in
many parts of the world
including Central and
South American
countries. In Italy and
Spain, Columbus is
especially honored.
Christopher Columbus
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