What is Columbus Day all about?

Every second Monday of October, we celebrate Columbus Day. For many of us it’s a three day weekend or a day the kids are home from school, but how did this holiday begin? In 1792, a group called the Colombian Order in New York City celebrated the 300th anniversary of Columbus’s discovery of the Americas in October of 1492. It was not until after the Civil War that a group of Italian Americans decided to celebrate Columbus Day every year. On the 400th anniversary of the discovery, President Harrison issued a proclamation, but it was not until 1905 that the first state made Columbus Day an official holiday. Colorado was the first state with several others following suit close behind. In 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt declared the day an official, legal holiday. What led for this honor to be bestowed on Columbus? Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451 in a middle class family. After beginning his sailing career, Columbus longed to find a shorter route to the East countries of Asia by sailing west. After Portugal rejected Columbus’s plans, he asked for funding for his journey from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Christopher Columbus set sail in August of 1492 with three ships, the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Two months later, they spotted land they believe to be the East Indies. He had mistakenly discovered the Americas. Columbus helped launch the age of great exploration that influenced and shaped history for centuries. His determination and perseverance are today celebrated each year as a reminder of his bravery and courage. Spencer Air Conditioning and Heating wants to wish you a Happy Columbus Day and invite you to call us for all of your a/c needs. Reach us today at (972) 446- COOL (2665) or by logging on to spencerairconditioning.com to find out how we can serve you.