Why Schools and Banks May Close on Columbus Day

Columbus Day is observed as a federal holiday across the United States. This year, the holiday falls on Monday, October 13. The day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492.

Federal offices and many services will close for the observance. The day is also widely recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Historical Roots of the Federal Holiday

President Benjamin Harrison established Columbus Day in 1892. According to the US Embassy and Consulates in Italy, this was a direct response to a tragic event. The mass lynching of 11 Italian Americans occurred in New Orleans the previous year.

The Library of Congress notes this violence stemmed from strong anti-immigrant sentiment. The proclamation aimed to acknowledge the role of Italian Americans in the nation’s history. Today, the holiday also honors the cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples.

Services and Closures on the October Holiday

The US Office of Personnel Management lists Columbus Day as an official federal holiday. All non-essential federal offices will be closed. Federal employees receive a paid day off for the occasion.

Postal services will be suspended. No regular mail delivery will occur on October 13. However, USPS Priority Mail Express may still operate.

Most public schools and bank branches will also be closed. Digital banking and ATMs will remain accessible. According to the Record-Courier, garbage pickup schedules will vary by city, with some municipalities operating as usual.

The observance of Columbus Day as a federal holiday ensures a nationwide pause for many, though local services may differ. Check with your local providers for specific Columbus Day schedules.

Info at your fingertips

Is Columbus Day a federal holiday in 2025?

Yes, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday. It will be observed on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Will banks be open on Columbus Day?

Most physical bank branches will be closed. Online banking and ATMs will be available for customer use.

Is mail delivered on Columbus Day?

The United States Postal Service does not deliver mail on federal holidays. Regular mail service will resume the next business day.

Why is Columbus Day also called Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

The name recognizes the history and cultures of Native peoples. It offers a different perspective on the anniversary of Columbus’s arrival.

Do all states observe Columbus Day?

Not all states officially observe the holiday. Some have replaced it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while others do not recognize it at all.

Trusted Sources: US Office of Personnel Management, Library of Congress, US Embassy and Consulates in Italy, Record-Courier.