[donna]

1792: The first monument for Columbus was erected on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the discovery in Baltimore, MD.

1892: President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation encouraging Americans to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage with patriotic festivities.

1937: Year Columbus Day was declared a national holiday.

1971: Originally observed every Oct. 12, it was this year Columbus Day was fixed to be celebrated the second Monday
in October.

2004: The year supporters of Hugo Chavez destroyed a 100-year old statue of Columbus in Caracas, Venezuela.

[DManA]

I heard a snarky (can't remember who) commentator say that Roosevelt created Columbus day when he discovered the Italian vote.

1937: Year Columbus Day was declared a national holiday.