Columbus Day, also called Indigenous Peoples Day, is a federal holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October. While it is a recognized federal holiday, it is not consistently observed by all businesses, states, and institutions. This inconsistency stems from the growing movement to shift recognition away from Christopher Columbus and towards honoring the original inhabitants of North America through Indigenous Peoples Day.

Business Closures

Although Columbus Day is a federal holiday, not all businesses are closed on this day.

Banks

Some banks observe Columbus Day and will be closed on October 14th. This includes major institutions like Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Other banks, such as Chase and TD Bank, will remain open on October 14th.

U.S. Postal Service

The U.S. Postal Service observes Columbus Day as a holiday, so there will be no regular mail delivery. This includes both residential and business mail. USPS retail branches will also be closed on October 14th. However, Priority Mail Express will still be delivered in some regions for an additional fee.

Stock Market

The stock market is open on Columbus Day. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq do not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day as a holiday.

Store Hours

Most major retailers are open during their regular hours on Columbus Day.

Walmart and Target

Both Walmart and Target will be operating on Columbus Day with their regular store hours.

Costco

Costco observes seven holidays each year, and Columbus Day is not one of them. So, Costco will be open on October 14th.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A restaurants are open on October 14th, but may have limited operating hours. Customers are advised to check with their local restaurant for specific hours of operation.

History and the Shift in Recognition

Both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day are observed on the same day, the second Monday in October. President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Columbus Day as a national holiday in 1934, initially celebrated on October 12th. The holiday was meant to commemorate the landing of explorer Christopher Columbus in the Americas and acknowledge the contributions of Italian-Americans to the nation.

In recent years, there has been a growing push to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. This movement has gained momentum due to increased awareness and critical reflection of the history of colonization and its impact on Native American populations. Native American activists and historians have called for a reassessment of Christopher Columbus and his actions. They argue that his arrival in the Americas marked the beginning of a period of colonization, displacement, and violence for indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Peoples Day

As a result, several states and localities have adopted Indigenous Peoples Day instead of, or in addition to, Columbus Day. This shift in recognition reflects a desire to acknowledge the history and culture of the indigenous peoples who have lived in the Americas for centuries.

Takeaways

• While Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, it is not observed by all businesses, states, and institutions.
• Many banks will be closed on October 14th, but some will remain open.
• The U.S. Postal Service will be closed on October 14th, but Priority Mail Express will still be delivered in some regions.
• The stock market will be open on Columbus Day.
• Most major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Costco, will be open during their regular hours on October 14th.
• There is a growing movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day to honor the original inhabitants of North America.