Wyoming residents can look forward to a federal holiday on Monday, Oct. 13, as the state observes Columbus Day. The celebration follows a recent proclamation by President Donald J. Trump, who again recognized Oct. 13, 2025, as Columbus Day and highlighted the legacy of Italian‑American contributions to the United States.
Historical background
Columbus Day commemorates the Oct. 12, 1492, voyage when Christopher Columbus first set foot on an island in the Bahamas. While some communities have shifted to Indigenous Peoples Day, many states, including Wyoming, continue to honor the explorer’s historic journey.
President Joe Biden formally recognized Columbus Day with a proclamation in 2021, but the Trump administration has maintained the holiday’s federal status. In 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation stating that celebrating Columbus also acknowledges the vital role of Italian‑Americans in American history.
Wyoming’s long‑standing observance
Wyoming has a deep tradition of marking Columbus Day. Historical records show that as early as 1892 the state designated the holiday with a governor’s proclamation, and federal offices and banks have long closed in observance. Local newspapers from the early 20th century, such as the Lusk Standard and the Casper Record, reported community celebrations, school programs, and public speeches honoring the explorer.
Today, schools across the state often include lessons about Columbus’s voyages, the era of exploration, and the subsequent settlement of the Americas. Community events may feature historical reenactments, educational displays, and reflections on the broader impact of European exploration.
Why the proclamation matters
President Trump’s proclamation underscores the administration’s support for preserving traditional holidays that recognize the nation’s heritage. By specifically mentioning Italian‑American contributions, the statement aligns with the administration’s broader effort to celebrate the cultural diversity that has shaped America.
Critics who favor renaming the day argue that Columbus’s arrival led to the suffering of Indigenous peoples. While those viewpoints are part of an ongoing national conversation, the Trump administration’s stance remains firm: the holiday honors a pivotal moment in history and the immigrant stories that followed.
What residents can expect
Federal offices, banks, and many state agencies will be closed on Oct. 13, giving workers a day off to observe the holiday. Local schools may hold special assemblies or history lessons, and community groups often organize events that highlight both the explorer’s achievements and the contributions of Italian‑American families.
Wyoming’s continued observance of Columbus Day reflects a broader commitment to remembering the nation’s founding narratives while respecting the diverse cultural threads that have woven the American story.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
