More than 500 years ago, a captain hired by the Spanish monarchy stepped onto land that would later be called the Americas. Did the man seek only gold and glory in his quest to reach India through an uncharted route? Did he feel he was called by God to bring Christianity to the heathens outside of western civilization? Could he have known that his “discovery” would lead to disease, violence and brutal oppression for millions of native people who had existed in the “new” territory for ages?

Time has washed away most details of who Christopher Columbus was as a person, but his impact on the course of history is all around us. And while many today consider Columbus’ arrival as a tragedy from the Native American perspective, the state and federal government annually honor the man with a holiday on the second Monday of every October.

“For many Americans, particularly for millions of Italian Americans, this holiday evokes feelings of pride regarding Christopher Columbus’ exploration of the New World,” stated Congresswoman Lois Capps. “But I realize that Columbus Day also reminds many Americans, particularly Native Americans, of the sad legacy of colonialism and the exploitation of the indigenous populations of North America. I think the Columbus Day holiday presents an important opportunity for us to reflect on and to learn more about the complex history of America.”

A contemporary curriculum change in schools encourages students to understand more than the Eurocentric side of the story. “I think that people who were educated before a certain date were given a perspective that’s totally different than the perspective taught now,” said Michael Hayes, member of the Republican Central Committee. He claimed that the difference in perspective is less political and more generational. Of the two perspectives—an older portrayal of Columbus as a proud hero and a newer portrayal as a murdering conquerer—Hayes said the truth probably lies somewhere in between.

History tells us that Columbus himself died rich and secure in his accomplishments. He still thought that his famous (and now infamous) voyage in 1492 had landed him in India, and he went to the grave ignorant of the scale of his impact on history. Historical recognition did not arrive for centuries, however, and the first celebration of Columbus’ arrival in the New World was held in New York City in 1792. In 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed October 12 a legal holiday.

Much has changed since Roosevelt’s proclamation, and as generations of schoolchildren grow to become decision makers, it becomes more and more likely that Columbus Day may become history itself.