Wait. Is it actually a day off for everyone? That is the first thing people ask when the second Monday of October rolls around. The Columbus Day federal holiday US is one of those weird days on the American calendar where some people are commuting to work like it's a normal Monday, while others are sleeping in because the post office is closed. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess. It has been a federal holiday since 1937, but the way we observe it—or if we observe it at all—has shifted dramatically over the last decade.
It’s complicated.
Back in 1892, President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation for the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s landing. He wanted to celebrate. He also wanted to soothe tensions with Italy after a mass lynching of Italian immigrants in New Orleans. It was a political move as much as a historical one. Today, the conversation is less about international diplomacy and more about whether the holiday should even exist. You’ve probably noticed your digital calendar might say "Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day" or just the latter.
The Reality of the Columbus Day Federal Holiday US Today
Federal employees definitely get the day off. Banks usually close. The stock market, however, stays open for trading. This creates a strange "half-holiday" vibe. If you work for a private company, you’re likely at your desk. According to the Pew Research Center, only about 21 states and the District of Columbia actually recognize the day as a paid holiday for state workers. That number keeps dropping.
States like Florida and South Dakota have gone their own way for years. South Dakota actually renamed it Native Americans' Day way back in 1990. They were the first. Now, we see a massive wave of cities—from Seattle to Nashville—opting to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day instead.
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Does this mean Columbus is "canceled"? Not everywhere. For many Italian-American communities, the Columbus Day federal holiday US remains a point of deep cultural pride. It represents a time when an often-marginalized immigrant group finally felt "American." In cities like New York and Philadelphia, the parades are massive. You'll see green, white, and red flags everywhere. It’s a celebration of heritage, not just a 15th-century voyage. But the friction is real. You can’t ignore the fact that for Indigenous communities, the holiday marks the beginning of a centuries-long era of colonization and loss.
The Federal Status and Presidential Action
The holiday is established by law under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. Congress is the only body that can officially "remove" a federal holiday. They haven't done that. However, the President has significant power through proclamations.
In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first commander-in-chief to formally mark Indigenous Peoples' Day alongside Columbus Day. It was a huge shift. He didn't delete the Columbus Day federal holiday US, but he fundamentally changed the focus. Every year since, the White House has issued dual proclamations. This effectively acknowledges the "discovery" (which is a debated term, obviously) while also honoring the people who were already here for thousands of years.
Why the Date Always Moves
If you’re trying to plan a trip, remember: it’s never on October 12th anymore. It used to be. But in 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act changed everything. The goal was simple: give federal employees more three-day weekends. It’s better for the economy. People travel more. They spend money. Because of that law, the Columbus Day federal holiday US is permanently fixed to the second Monday in October.
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This act is also why Memorial Day and Washington’s Birthday (President's Day) float around. It makes life easier for HR departments but sometimes makes us forget the actual historical dates. For the record, Columbus landed in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492. He never actually set foot on what is now the continental United States. He spent most of his time in the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The Economic Impact of the Holiday
Retailers love this weekend. You’ve seen the "Columbus Day Sale" signs. It is often the first big push for fall fashion and home goods before the madness of Black Friday starts. Since many schools are closed, it’s a massive weekend for "leaf peeping" in New England.
- National Parks often see a surge in visitors.
- Gas prices sometimes tick up slightly due to the travel demand.
- Car dealerships run aggressive promotions.
But there is a hidden cost. When the Columbus Day federal holiday US shuts down the Federal Reserve and the post office, certain business transactions stall. If you are waiting on a wire transfer or a physical check in the mail, you're out of luck until Tuesday. It’s a minor inconvenience for some, but for small businesses, that 24-hour delay can be a headache.
The Growing Shift to Indigenous Peoples' Day
More than a dozen states and over 100 cities have now officially ditched the Columbus name in favor of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Hawaii celebrates "Discoverers' Day" to honor Polynesian navigators. Vermont and Maine made the switch legally. This isn't just a trend; it's a structural change in how the U.S. views its origin story.
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Historians like Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, author of An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States, argue that the traditional narrative ignores the sophisticated societies that existed long before 1492. On the other side, groups like the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America argue that removing the holiday is an affront to Italian-American history.
It’s a tug-of-war.
How to Navigate the Holiday Weekend
If you are trying to figure out what's open on the Columbus Day federal holiday US, use this mental checklist. It works almost every year.
Federal Government: Everything is closed. Social Security offices, the IRS, and federal courts are dark.
Mail: USPS does not deliver. Period. UPS and FedEx usually run normal schedules, though, so check your local drop-off times.
Banking: Most "Big Four" banks (Chase, BofA, etc.) close their branches. ATMs still work, but "business days" for deposits will skip Monday.
Schools: This is a toss-up. In some districts, it's a professional development day for teachers. In others, it’s a normal school day. Check your local district calendar because there is no national standard here.
Actions to Take for the Upcoming Holiday
Instead of just treating it like another Monday, you can actually use the Columbus Day federal holiday US to get ahead or learn something new.
- Check your banking. If you have bills due on that Monday, pay them by Friday. Federal holidays can delay processing, and you don't want a late fee because the "system" was asleep.
- Verify school schedules. Don't be the parent who pulls up to a dark parking lot. Many districts have swapped Columbus Day for a mid-term break or a teacher workday.
- Research local events. Many cities now hold Indigenous Peoples' Day festivals. These are often great places to see traditional dance, eat incredible food, and actually learn the history of the land you're standing on.
- Plan your travel. If you're heading to a National Park, book your entry or campsite months in advance. October is "Goldilocks" weather—not too hot, not too cold—and the parks get crowded.
- Support Italian-American businesses. If you want to celebrate the cultural heritage side of the day, skip the big chains and hit up a local Italian bakery or deli. It’s a more authentic way to honor the spirit of the immigrant story.
The Columbus Day federal holiday US is likely to remain on the books at the federal level for a long time. Changing federal law is hard. It requires an Act of Congress and a Presidential signature. But the way we spend the day is entirely up to us. Whether you see it as a day of heritage, a day of reflection, or just a day to get a great deal on a new mattress, the landscape of October is changing. Keep an eye on your local news as October approaches; your city might be the next one to officially change its stance. It’s a holiday in transition, reflecting a country that is constantly rethinking its own history.