Christopher Columbus is sometimes credited with “discovering” America. Columbus wasn’t the first European to reach the Americas as Leif Ericsson of the Vikings had already visited. However, it was Columbus’ journey and discovery that led to the European colonization of the Americas.

The Portuguese, Spanish, French, English, and Dutch all sent more explorers and settlers following Columbus’ return telling about the riches of this new land.

Columbus first landed in the Americas on October 12, 1492 and the anniversary of the day has been celebrated in the new world ever since. The 300 and 400 year anniversaries in 1792 and 1892 were big events in the United States, but it wasn’t until 1937 that the day was made an official federal holiday. Originally the holiday was on October 12, but was changed to the second Monday of October in 1971.

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