Why We Are Working on Columbus Day in Texas

Christopher Columbus has been credited with the discovery of the new world. It's a reason to celebrate... kind of.

Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas on October 12, 1492. In doing so he earned the credit of finding a new world. A new world that already had people living in it. And a new world that was already known by the Vikings. But whatever. No one ever said History was based on the facts.

Italians have long celebrated Christopher's "big find". In 1937 FDR proclaimed October 12th as Columbus Day. Then in 1971, President Nixon declared Columbus Day a National holiday with observation on the second Monday of October.

The day hasn't receive much respect, as many states don't even recognize it. Some do, but have taken it off the paid holiday leave schedule. Texas included. Which is why we are all working today.