Columbus Day

Vanderlyn,  John. "The Landing of Columbus by Vanderlyn." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified May 31, 2022. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15990/the-landing-of-columbus-by-vanderlyn/.

Towards the end of the 19th century, more immigrants began coming from southern Europe, mostly Italians fleeing war and poverty.  These predominantly Catholic new comers were not exactly welcomed to Protestant dominated America with Christian love and hospitality.  Anti immigrant protest frequently turned violent.  In New Orleans, 11 Sicilians were lynched after being found not guilty of murder.  Many Italians worked difficult factory jobs and settled in run down inner cities communities which became known as "little Italy's".  In Colorado, where many Italian immigrants worked in the mines, a Denver bar owner named his establishment Christopher Columbus Hall because "he was the only Italian Americans would not throw rocks at".

Columbus Day was first observed in 1792 on the 300th anniversary of his voyage, but not much attention was given until Catholic immigrants needed a hero to prove they were part of the American Dream.  Christopher Columbus was that hero.  In 1882, the Knights of Columbus were founded to improve the lives of immigrants and work towards racial tolerance.  The group advocated for making Columbus Day a federal holiday.  In 1892, President Harrison issued a proclamation honoring the 400 anniversary of Columbus' journey.  In 1906, Colorado became the first state to make Columbus Day a holiday and in 1937 President Roosevelt made it a federal holiday.