Columbus Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples Day, is a federal holiday observed on the second Monday of October. While it is a federally recognized holiday, its celebration remains inconsistent, with many businesses, states, and institutions opting to commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day instead of honoring Christopher Columbus.

Federal Holiday Observance and Business Operations

The second Monday in October is a federal holiday, meaning federal offices will be closed, and federal employees have the day off. This includes a large portion of government services, resulting in various closures across the country.

Banks

While many banks recognize Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day as a holiday and will be closed on October 14th, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, others, like Chase and TD Bank, will remain open. It’s important to check with individual banks in your area for specific hours of operation.

Mail Delivery and Retail Stores

The United States Postal Service observes Columbus Day as a holiday, leading to a cessation of regular mail delivery for residential and business addresses. Postal branches will also be closed on October 14th. However, Priority Mail Express will still be delivered in select regions with an additional fee.

Retail and Food Services

Walmart, Target, and Costco will all be open on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day with their usual operating hours. Although Chick-fil-A restaurants are generally open, it is advisable to contact your local branch for their specific hours of operation.

Stock Market and Other Businesses

Despite the observance of the federal holiday, the stock market will remain open on October 14th. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq both do not observe Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day as holidays. This means that the trading of stocks and securities will continue as usual.

Shifting Perspectives and Recognition

Originally established in 1934 to honor Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas and celebrate the contributions of Italian Americans, the holiday has increasingly faced criticism and calls for a reassessment of its historical implications. Many argue that celebrating Columbus overlooks the devastating impact his exploration had on Indigenous peoples, leading to violence, disease, and displacement.

Emergence of Indigenous Peoples Day

As a result of these concerns, there has been a growing movement to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day instead of or in addition to Columbus Day. Numerous states and localities across the country now celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, reflecting a shift in understanding and acknowledging the indigenous history of the Americas.

Take Away Points

• While Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, many businesses and institutions observe it differently.
• Businesses like banks and mail delivery services might close on October 14th, while retail stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco will likely operate as usual.
• The stock market will be open for trading despite the holiday.
• Increasingly, there is a shift towards recognizing the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day to acknowledge the contributions and history of Native Americans.