Columbus Day is the annual U.S. commemoration of explorer Christopher Columbus' landing in the New World (at San Salvador Island, also known as Watling Island, today part of the British Bahamas). The actual date of the landing was Oct. 12, 1492.
In the modern era, Columbus' trek into the unknown has been criticized as insensitive to indigenous populations. Others have tried to diminish his accomplishment by pointing out that the Vikings (and others) probably also sailed to North America.
Nonetheless, Columbus' deed has long stood as a visionary triumph of skill, courage and daring in the face of the utter unknown.