Columbus Day was observed on Monday, Oct. 10, this year. The actual day is supposed to have been today, Oct. 12, and that was the day the holiday was observed until 1971, when it became another Monday holiday.
Although Christopher Columbus made his voyage to the New World 519 years ago, Columbus Day only became a federal holiday in 1937 - 445 years late.
Still, various sources point to a long history of Columbus Day observances, but mostly on special centennial observances or by certain groups. For instance, in 1792, the 300th anniversary of the voyage of Columbus was celebrated in New York City and several other cities.
For more of this story check out the Oct. 12 issue of the California Democrat.