History of Leif Erikson Day in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 11, 2024

Leif Erikson Day, observed annually on October 9th, commemorates the Norse explorer Leif Erikson. History credits Erikson with leading the first European expedition to reach the North American continent, circa 1000 CE. This predates Christopher Columbus's arrival by nearly five centuries.

1925: President Coolidge Recognizes Leif Erikson

During the Norse-American Centennial at the Minnesota State Fair in 1925, President Calvin Coolidge officially acknowledged Leif Erikson as the discoverer of America.

1929: Wisconsin Adopts Leif Erikson Day

Thanks to the significant efforts of Rasmus Anderson, Wisconsin became the first U.S. state to officially recognize Leif Erikson Day as a state holiday in 1929.

1931: Minnesota Recognizes Leif Erikson Day

Following Wisconsin's lead, Minnesota also declared Leif Erikson Day as an official state holiday in 1931.

June 19, 1935: President Roosevelt Signs Leif Erikson Day Resolution

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed House Joint Resolution 26 on June 19, 1935, officially recognizing Leif Erikson Day in the United States for that year.

September 11, 1935: President Roosevelt Issues Proclamation for Leif Erikson Day

Following the signing of House Joint Resolution 26, President Roosevelt issued Presidential Proclamation 2135 on September 11, 1935, designating October 9th of that year as Leif Erikson Day.

1936: Saskatchewan Proclaims Leif Erikson Day

The Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, influenced by the Leif Erikson Memorial Association of Saskatchewan, proclaimed October 9th as Leif Ericsson Day through an order-in-council in 1936.

1956: Leif Erikson Day Observed in Seven States and Saskatchewan

By 1956, Leif Erikson Day was officially observed in seven U.S. states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois, Colorado, Washington, and California, as well as in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

1960: Verification of Vikings' Arrival in the New World

In 1960, the idea that Vikings were the first Europeans to reach the New World, popularized by Rasmus B. Anderson's book, was officially verified.

1963: Congressional Efforts for Annual Leif Erikson Day Proclamation

During the 88th Congress (1963-1964), twelve different resolutions were introduced by members of Congress, aiming to establish an annual presidential proclamation for Leif Erikson Day.

September 2, 1964: President Johnson Signs Law for Annual Leif Erikson Day Proclamation

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed House Joint Resolution 393 into law on September 2, 1964, which became Public Law 88–566, requiring the president to annually proclaim October 9th as Leif Erikson Day.

2012: Leif Erikson Day Celebrated in Las Vegas

In 2012, Leif Erikson Day was celebrated in Las Vegas, Nevada, highlighting the holiday's reach beyond traditional areas with large Nordic populations.