Every year, on the second Monday of October, the United States celebrates Christopher Columbus’ landing in the Americas. Columbus’ official siting of new land was October 12, 1492.

Columbus, a native of Italy, scoured Europe for royal sponsors of his expedition to find the New World. Finally, in 1492, Isabella I of Spain funded his trip. Columbus took off from Spain in August 1492 with 90 men on three now very famous ships – the Santa Maria, the Nina and the Pinta. Aiming for India, after five weeks at sea, Columbus landed on the islands in the Caribbean.

The first official Columbus Day holiday in the United States was on the 400th anniversary in 1892. President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation to celebrate the holiday and described Columbus as “the pioneer of progress and enlightenment.”

Italians, Spaniards and Americans across the world honor Columbus on this day for his daring contributions and discovery of the Americas.

Learn more about Columbus Day.