The anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas is here.  Today marks Columbus Day, a national holiday celebrating the Italian explorer who "sailed the ocean blue" more than 500 years ago.  In observance, most federal offices, banks and post offices will be closed today.  The holiday comes with much controversy.  In Hawaii, the second Monday in October is known as Discoverers' Day.  Similarly, several towns celebrate Indigenous People's Day instead to honor the Native Americans that were killed during European colonialism. 

Cities replacing Columbus Day include Denver, Seattle, Phoenix, Portland and Albuquerque and the entire states of South Dakota and Alaska.

Photo: Getty