You heard us! The truth about Columbus Day is often misunderstood, and Christopher Columbus himself has little to do with the true significance of the holiday. Intrigued? Keep reading...

On October 16, 1890, David Hennessy, the Superintendent of Police in New Orleans, was tragically gunned down while walking home from work. As he lay bleeding in the street, a witness asked who was responsible, to which he responded, “The Dagoes.” This slur, which refers derogatorily to Italian Americans, reflects the widespread discrimination faced by Italian immigrants during that time.

Between 1884 and 1924, New Orleans saw a significant influx of Sicilian and Italian immigrants, many of whom were unjustly viewed as criminals or social outcasts. Following Hennessy’s murder, tensions escalated within the community and among city officials. The neighborhood of “Little Italy” became a target, leading to the police rounding up 19 suspects in hopes of quelling public outrage. Of those, 11 Italian Americans were put on trial, facing the following outcomes:

• Antonio Bagnetto, fruit peddler: Tried and acquitted.

• James Caruso, stevedore: Not tried.

• Loreto Comitis, tinsmith: Not tried.

• Rocco Geraci, stevedore: Not tried.

• Joseph Macheca, fruit importer and political boss: Tried and acquitted.

• Antonio Marchesi, fruit peddler: Tried and acquitted.

• Pietro Monasterio, cobbler: Mistrial.

• Emmanuele Polizzi, street vendor: Mistrial.

• Frank Romero, ward politician: Not tried.

• Antonio Scaffidi, fruit peddler: Mistrial.

• Charles Traina, rice plantation laborer: Not tried.

With no formal convictions and growing public unrest, the citizens of New Orleans took justice into their own hands. A mob of thousands stormed the jail, dragging the 11 Italian Americans into the town square. They were brutally beaten, shot (one man with 42 bullets), and lynched, with some bodies dismembered and used for souvenirs. This horrific mass lynching was a stark act of injustice, as none of the victims were guilty of the crime.

In response to this tragedy, on March 31, 1891, the Italian Minister Baron W. Faic announced his withdrawal from Washington, severing diplomatic relations with the United States. This incident ignited a political crisis and heightened fears for the safety of Italian and Sicilian American immigrants. The Harrison administration faced pressure to respond, and discussions of potential conflict arose.

Finally, on December 9, 1891, President Benjamin Harrison addressed Congress, denouncing the New Orleans incident as “a most deplorable and discreditable incident” and an “offense against law and humanity.” He emphasized that it did not stem from a general animosity toward the Italian people and paid reparations of $25,000 to the Italian government.

Aware of the growing Italian American vote, President Harrison saw an opportunity to unite the community. In light of the upcoming 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage, New York minister Francis Bellamy encouraged the establishment of a national holiday to foster patriotism among children. Congress passed a resolution declaring October 12 as a national holiday, culminating in the largest patriotic parade celebrating Italian American culture.

Italian enclaves across the country erected statues of Christopher Columbus, symbolizing change and acceptance for immigrants in the United States. Columbus Day was officially established as a national holiday in 1934, following lobbying efforts by the Knights of Columbus, and in 1971, it became a federal holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October.

Columbus Day emerged as a symbol of Italian American identity and pride, representing the acceptance of immigrants in the United States. Italian Americans believe that every ethnic group deserves recognition and respect in this country. Therefore, it is essential to honor this legacy and ensure that Italian Americans are not treated as "Dagoes" once more. Let us not repeat the mistakes of history; our culture deserves to be celebrated and preserved.