Columbus needed a GPS in 1492

Ok, so some of you have the day off because some guy named Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492 and found what is now America.  If you believe that you are definitely wrong. Columbus made 4 voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. During his first voyage in 1492, instead of reaching Japan as he had intended, Columbus landed in what is now San Salvador. Over the course of three more voyages, Columbus visited the Greater and Lesser Antilles, as well as the Caribbean coast of Venezuela  and Central America, claiming them for the Spanish Empire. But he never did set foot on any land in America. Perhaps he needed a GPS for his voyages!

So why the fuss over him?  Why is it a national holiday? That one I can answer. In April 1934, as a result of lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, Congress and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt  made October 12th a federal holiday under the name Columbus Day. Some feel the only reason Roosevelt did so was to get the Italian American vote for his re-election. The date has moved to the 2nd Monday in October each year.

So if you have the day off, enjoy it. The rest of us are working hard to remember a guy who never even put his toe on pour soil.