COLUMBUS HOLIDAY IS MONDAY

In 1492, when Columbus sailed the ocean blue, Christopher probably didn't know he would establish a reason for a federal holiday to be celebrated Monday.

Columbus, an Italian explorer, was searching for a quick route west to Asia and India. He instead discovered the islands of the Caribbean Sea, and during subsequent voyages he explored what are now the West Indies and the coasts of Central and South America. His westward voyages opened up exploration of the Western Hemisphere.

According to the World Book encyclopedia, the first Columbus Day celebration was held in 1792, when New York City celebrated the 300th anniversary of Columbus' landing.

A hundred years later President Benjamin Harrison called for a celebration of Columbus Day for the 400th anniversary of the landing. An annual celebration has been held since 1920.

Columbus Day became an official federal holiday in 1971, to be celebrated on the second Monday in October.

However, Monday's observance of Columbus Day might go undetected except that postal delivery will be halted and banks will be closed. Most federal offices also will be closed.

Only a handful of area schools will celebrate the holiday. Most city offices, including those in Cape Girardeau, and businesses will be open and operating as usual.