The Landing of Columbus at San Salvador, October 12, 1492, by Currier & Ives
Columbus Day is observed as a federal holiday on the second Monday in October. It was on October 12, 1492, when Christopher Columbus landed on an island in the Bahamas. He named it San Salvador, the island of the Savior, claiming it for Spain. Columbus’ exploration led to the development of the New World. Read the story of Columbus’ discovery, see a list of New World foods that were unknown to Europeans at the time, learn about the political controversy surrounding the holiday, find related activities, books, and additional links at: http://www.knowledgehouse.info/njfk/columbus.html