Nation Celebrates Columbus Day, Monday

If you are looking for mail to be delivered, to purchase car tags or even make a bank deposit, you will have to wait until Tuesday to do your business. On Monday, the Nation will be celebrating Columbus Day, a federal holiday that recognizes the historic role that Christopher Columbus had in the discovery of America. This year the celebration will actually be observed two days before Columbus Day, which is October 12^th, as Columbus Day is a part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and is observed on the second Monday in October.

Interestingly, it was Italian Americans that initiated the celebration of the contributions of Christopher Columbus in New York City on October 12, 1866. In the year 1869, the celebration had spread as far as San Francisco and was deemed Columbus Day. In 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed every October 12^th to be observed as Columbus Day and it became a part of the Uniform Holiday Act in the early 1970s. All federal, state and local government offices will be closed, as well as local banks. Many schools and colleges time their fall breaks to coincide with Columbus Day and Jefferson County Schools will be closed for fall break on Monday and Tuesday, so enjoy the mini vacation, students and staff!!