Harrison to Close for Columbus Day, Mon. Oct. 13, 2025

The Town of Harrison will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025, in observance of Columbus Day, a federal holiday that has been celebrated in the United States for more than a century. As the nation marks the day, many also recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which honors the history and culture of Native American communities.

The Origins and Significance of Columbus Day

Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. The holiday was first celebrated in 1892 to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s landing. It became a federal holiday in 1937, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt, influenced by the lobbying efforts of Italian-American communities, officially established the day of observance. Since then, it has been held on the second Monday of October.

For the Italian-American community, Columbus Day holds deep cultural significance. Columbus, born in Genoa, Italy, became a symbol of the perseverance, pride, and contributions of Italian immigrants who arrived in the United States in large numbers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At a time when Italian immigrants faced widespread discrimination, Columbus Day became a source of cultural pride and a way to celebrate Italian heritage. To this day, Italian-Americans cherish the holiday as an opportunity to honor the role their community has played in building and shaping America from labor and business to the arts, sciences, and public service.

The Rise of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

In recent decades, Columbus Day has also faced criticism for its connection to colonialism and the negative impact of European settlement on Indigenous peoples. This has led to the growth of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which serves as an alternative or companion observance. The day honors the resilience, culture, and contributions of Native Americans while also acknowledging the injustices they endured due to colonization.

The idea of Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first proposed in 1977 at a United Nations-sponsored conference on discrimination against Indigenous populations in the Americas. South Dakota became the first state to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 1989, followed by Berkeley, California, which adopted the holiday that same year. Since then, more states and municipalities across the U.S. have chosen to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day either alongside, or instead of, Columbus Day.

A Time for Reflection and Celebration

Whether residents observe Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or both, October 13 provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse and complex history of the United States. In Harrison, public offices, including Town Hall, will be closed on Monday.

For Italian-Americans, Columbus Day remains an occasion to celebrate the enduring contributions their community has made to the nation. For others, Indigenous Peoples’ Day highlights the resilience and history of Native communities. Together, the two observances encourage reflection on the multifaceted history of America and the shared values of culture, diversity, and community.

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