Columbus Day
Columbus Day is celebrated on October 12th, it is observed on the second Monday in October in the Americas to pay tribute to Christopher Columbus. (Columbus Day is often referred to as "Discoverers' Day" or "Pioneers' Day".) They celebrate all explorers and the idea of exploring and discovering.) Columbus is credited with discovering the "New World", what we know as the North America. We know today that he rather re-discovered this area and was the first to publicize his findings. The Vikings had already established settlements in North America when Columbus sailed by.
There are varied views on Columbus's character and mixed emotions on whether this day should be celebrated. Columbus is known as one of the greatest mariners in history. He is considered a visionary, a great explorer, an entrepreneur, a poor administrator, and destroyer of native cultures.
On August 3, 1492 Columbus departed Palos, Spain with three ships under his command, the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. The crew was composed of about 90 men, mostly seasoned sailors and a few criminals who sailed in return for amnesty. This is his famous voyage in which he is credited with discovering the New World. Columbus never actually set foot on North American soil, in fact it is believed he never even saw North America. His first landing was on Watling Island in the Bahamas. He also stopped at Cuba and Hispaniola. He was made an admiral and governor over all these lands.
Late in life Columbus suffered from gout and failing eyesight. On May 20, 1506, at the age of 55, Columbus died. He died a fairly wealthy man even though he had has lost his political power and royal privileges. As with his birthplace his resting-place is also a mystery.
