Hey there! Today, Monday, October 13, 2025, marks one of those holidays that’s equal parts history lesson and cultural debate in the United States: the second Monday in October, federally recognized as Columbus Day. But in many places, it’s also celebrated (or rebranded) as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, reflecting a shift toward honoring Native American history and resilience over the traditional focus on Christopher Columbus. This duality stems from Columbus Day’s roots in celebrating Italian-American heritage—first made a federal holiday in 1937—clashing with growing recognition of the explorer’s controversial legacy, including the violence and displacement faced by Indigenous peoples after his 1492 arrival.

President Donald J. Trump, in a proclamation issued on October 9, 2025, leaned hard into the Columbus narrative, calling him “the original American hero” and vowing to “reclaim his extraordinary legacy” from “left-wing arsonists” who have toppled statues and “erased our history.” It’s a fiery take that echoes his April social media post promising to bring Columbus Day “back from the ashes.” On the flip side, the Biden administration had proclaimed Indigenous Peoples’ Day alongside it starting in 2021, though it’s not yet a full federal holiday. As of 2025, about 17 states and the District of Columbia honor Indigenous peoples on this date, while 30 states and three territories still nod to Columbus in some way. (More on state variations below.)

Whether you’re planning a parade, a reflection, or just wondering if you can grab groceries without a hassle, here’s a breakdown based on the latest info from official sources and reports. I’ll cover the background, what’s open/closed, and regional quirks to help you navigate the day. (I reformatted the open/closed section as a bullet list for better mobile viewing—easier to scroll and read on small screens!)

A Bit of History: From Italian Pride to Broader Reckoning

Columbus Day started as a nod to Italian immigrants in the late 1800s, with the Knights of Columbus lobbying to make it federal in 1937. It honors Columbus’s voyage—sailing from Spain on August 3, 1492, aboard the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria, landing in the Bahamas on October 12, and sparking European exploration of the Americas. Trump’s proclamation paints it as a “noble mission” to spread faith and culture, linking it directly to America’s founding spirit and July 4, 1776.

But critics, including Native advocates, point to the dark side: enslavement, violence, and the start of centuries of colonization. South Dakota first recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 1989, and by 2025, over 221 cities and about 18 states commemorate Native history on this date instead (or in addition). It’s always the second Monday in October federally, but states like Washington fix it on October 12, and Puerto Rico shifts a related observance to November 19.

What’s Open and Closed? Your Day-to-Day Guide

As a federal holiday, expect closures for government stuff, but private businesses often keep humming. Here’s the rundown—pulled from USPS, major banks, shipping companies, and market reports. (Pro tip: Always double-check local listings, as things can vary by branch or region.)

• Federal Government Offices: Closed – Non-essential offices shut down; essential services (like emergency response) continue. Note: Many are already closed due to the ongoing government shutdown in 2025.
• State & Local Government Offices: Mostly Closed (varies) – Federal employees get the day off, but states like Kentucky treat it as a regular day—no holiday for state workers. In Jefferson County (KY), it’s business as usual.
• Post Office (USPS): Closed – No retail transactions or regular mail delivery for homes/businesses. Priority Mail Express runs 365 days a year if you’re in a rush.
• Banks: Mostly Closed – Major chains like Capital One, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Truist, Citibank, and JPMorgan Chase branches are shut. Capital One Cafes stay open for coffee and light banking. Bond markets close too, but ATMs and online banking work fine.
• Stock Market: Open – NYSE and Nasdaq trade as usual—perfect for day traders. Bond markets? Closed.
• Shipping (UPS & FedEx): Open (with tweaks) – UPS: Pickups/deliveries available; stores open, but Ground Saver/Mail Innovations add a day. FedEx: Modified hours for pickups/deliveries; offices open.
• Schools: Varies by District – Many public schools close (especially in states honoring the holiday), but Jefferson County Public Schools (KY) stays open. Private schools and colleges? Check your calendar.
• Supermarkets & Retail: Open – Kroger, Meijer, Aldi, Target, Walmart, and CVS keep doors open—hours might be shortened, so peek at their sites.
• Trash Pickup: Mostly Unaffected – In Louisville (KY), it’s not an observed holiday, so collection rolls on. Varies by city—call your local public works.
• DMV/BMV: Closed in Most States – As state offices, they’re typically shut, but not explicitly listed as a holiday in places like Kentucky.

State-by-State Breakdown: Where It’s Columbus, Indigenous, or Neither

Observance is a patchwork quilt—Pew Research crunched the numbers for 2025, showing how it shakes out. Here’s the gist:

• Columbus Day Strongholds: 30 states + 3 territories (e.g., Alabama, Virginia) recognize it. Only 20 states + 2 territories (like American Samoa) give state workers a paid day off. In 10 states, it’s a “legal holiday” for business deadlines but no paid time off.
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day Rising: 17 states + D.C. honor Native Americans here—6 alongside Columbus (paid), 5 as a full replacement (paid, e.g., Maine, Vermont, New Mexico since 2019), and 7 as unpaid. California and American Samoa add it via governor’s memo.
• Hybrids & Quirks:
  • Dual Days: 5 states share the spotlight (paid); Alabama adds “American Indian Heritage Day” and “Fraternal Day”; Virginia pairs it with Yorktown Victory Day; U.S. Virgin Islands emphasizes Puerto Rico Friendship Day.
  • No Columbus: Delaware swapped for a floating holiday in 2009. Tennessee “observes” it but moves the paid day to post-Thanksgiving Friday for a long weekend.
  • Other Native Nods: 18 states celebrate Indigenous heritage elsewhere (e.g., Oklahoma’s multiple tribal days; Maryland/Washington pay it off on Black Friday).

For a full map, check Pew’s visuals—it’s a great snapshot of America’s divided take on history.

Wrapping It Up: A Day for Reflection (or Retail Therapy)

Whether you’re raising a flag for Columbus’s grit or reflecting on Indigenous resilience, October 13 is a chance to pause amid the hustle. Trump’s proclamation amps up the patriotism, but the tide toward inclusivity keeps things evolving. If you’re off work, hit a parade or local event; if not, the markets and malls have your back. Planning travel or errands? Stick to essentials—mail can wait. Got a specific state or service in mind? Let me know for a deeper dive. Safe travels on this “day of discovery”!