The provided text explores the complex history and evolving controversy surrounding Columbus Day, tracing its origins from local commemorations to a federal holiday. It highlights how the holiday's establishment was deeply intertwined with Italian-American struggles for acceptance and Catholic advocacy, particularly in response to the 1891 New Orleans lynching, and how these groups viewed it as a symbol of their resilience and place in American society. The text then contrasts this traditional narrative with a counter-narrative that critically re-examines Christopher Columbus's legacy, emphasizing the devastating impact of his arrival on Indigenous populations through colonialism, violence, and disease. Finally, the text details the rise of Indigenous Peoples' Day as a movement to acknowledge this difficult history and celebrate Native American cultures, noting its increasing adoption across states and cities despite ongoing resistance from some Italian-American communities.