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It is recognized as a federal holiday and by 47 states. There is no mail delivery, and courthouses are closed, along with many schools and banks.
But the holiday carries some controversy with it, as many believe the notion of Christopher Columbus' discovering the new world as incorrect. There is evidence that suggests Vikings from Scandinavia were, in fact, the discoverers of the Americas, according to timeanddate.com.
As a result, Columbus Day in many municipalities has instead become a day to celebrate Italian-American heritage.
Some states, such as Alaska, Hawaii and South Dakota, have chosen not to recognize the day as a holiday. South Dakota, instead, celebrates Native American Day, according to publicholidays.us.
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