MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — No matter what we call it, there’s a lot of history surrounding today’s date.
In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison proclaimed Columbus Day in recognition of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, following the lynchings of 11 Italian immigrants in New Orleans. Columbus was widely celebrated by Italian Americans and the second Monday in October has been an official federal holiday since 1971.
Many cities and states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrating Native American culture and noting the role European contact had in exploitation and genocide of native peoples. In 2019, Governor Tony Evers declared Indigenous Peoples Day in Wisconsin, home to 11 federally recognized tribes.
Last week, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation celebrating Columbus as “the original American hero.”