Which president made Columbus Day a holiday? This question has intrigued many history enthusiasts and Americans alike. The celebration of Columbus Day, honoring the explorer Christopher Columbus, has been a topic of debate over the years, particularly regarding its origins and the president responsible for establishing it as a federal holiday.
Columbus Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. However, it was not until 1937 that it became a federal holiday. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the one who made Columbus Day a holiday, signing the bill into law on June 28, 1937. The holiday was initially established to honor the contributions of Christopher Columbus to the discovery of the New World.
The decision to make Columbus Day a federal holiday was influenced by various factors. During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt aimed to boost the economy and promote national unity. By establishing a new holiday, he believed it would encourage businesses to offer special promotions and events, thereby stimulating consumer spending. Additionally, the holiday was seen as a way to honor the nation’s history and its founders.
However, the celebration of Columbus Day has been met with criticism over the years. Many argue that the holiday commemorates the brutal colonization of the Americas and the suffering of indigenous peoples. As a result, some states and cities have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Native American Day, recognizing the contributions and resilience of Native Americans.
Despite the controversy surrounding Columbus Day, it remains a federal holiday in the United States. The question of which president made Columbus Day a holiday is an important part of American history, reflecting the complex relationship between the nation’s past and its present. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s decision to establish Columbus Day as a federal holiday was a significant move that has shaped the way Americans remember and celebrate their history.
