The holiday formerly known as Columbus Day will be officially recognized by Vermont as "Indigenous Peoples' Day", starting on Monday, Oct. 14.2016

Former Gov. Peter Shumlin began observing Indigenous Peoples' Day by gubernatorial proclamation in 2016, a tradition that his successor, Gov. Phil Scott, has maintained.

Columbus Day

Columbus Day first became a federal holiday in 1937, intended as a day to honor Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer, and his voyage to the Americas in 1492. Not having a specific date, the holiday began to land on the second Monday of October after 1971.

While always recognized nationally since then, the controversial holiday has not always been observed by local municipalities and states. By 1977, a movement was started by indigenous activists who believed that the holiday should recognize the history and culture of Native Americans. 

Vermont joins states such as New Mexico, Maine, Wisconsin and Alaska in officially changing the name of the holiday. In the Green Mountain State, town offices and city halls will be closed for the holiday, while local businesses and school districts vary.