Christopher Columbus did not discover North America. Columbus is often remembered as the explorer who crossed the Atlantic in 1492, paving the way for European colonization of the Americas.

However, 500 years earlier in the year 1000 A. D., The Norse explorer Leif Erikson is believed to have reached the North American continent. Archaeological evidence supporting this comes from a site in Newfoundland.

Columbus Day celebrations began in the United States in the late 1800s. It became more widely recognized after President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation in 1892, encouraging Americans to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus arrival.

To commemorate the anniversary, The United States issued the Columbian Exposition postage stamp series in 1893. One of the most notable stamps in this series is the 5 denomination featuring Columbus. Today it has a value of $2,400.