By The Columbia Chronicle Staff

If you woke up this morning and wondered why the mail didn’t show up, the bank seemed unusually quiet, or your kids were asking if they had school, you’re not alone.

Today, October 12, is a day with two names and a lot of history behind it: Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It all depends on where you live and how your community chooses to observe it.

Traditionally, Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. The holiday has been observed federally in the United States since the late 19th century and is now celebrated on the second Monday of October each year.

In recent decades, however, many states and communities have shifted their focus to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday that recognizes the history, culture, and contributions of Native American peoples. The movement grew as historians and Indigenous advocates highlighted the impact European colonization had on native populations already living in the Americas long before Columbus arrived.

So, who’s right?

Well, depending on who you ask, probably both and neither. History is complicated. While Columbus remains an important figure to many, particularly within Italian-American communities, others feel the day should be used to honor Indigenous peoples whose history on this continent stretches back thousands of years before 1492.

For most Americans, though, today’s biggest mystery is figuring out what’s actually open.

The U.S. Postal Service observes the federal holiday, meaning there is no regular mail delivery today. Many government offices and banks are also closed, while most retail stores and restaurants remain open.

Of course, if you’re in Columbia, there’s a good chance you’re spending the day doing what many locals do best: checking out what’s happening around town, grabbing a bite to eat, or enjoying the crisp fall weather before winter reminds us who’s really in charge.

Whether you call it Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or simply “that Monday when the mail doesn’t come,” today offers an opportunity to reflect on history, learn something new, and maybe enjoy an extra cup of coffee while you’re at it.

After all, holidays may change names, but everyone can agree that a three-day weekend never seems long enough.

Happy October 12, Columbia!