Wisconsin History Day By Day


Related Web Sites:
Leif Ericsson

Leif Ericsson

The Discovery of North America by Leif Ericsson


Read More About It

"Leif Erikson, the Lucky" by Malcolm Jensen


Vocabulary:

observance
declaring
honoring


Interesting Fact:

The state statutes list at least 12 other special observance days, including Susan B. Anthony's birthday (Feb. 15), Casimir Pulaski Day (March 4), American Creed Day (Apr. 13) and Mildred Fish Harnack Day (Sept. 16).


Study Questions:

  • Who were the people behind the movement of Leif Erikson Day in Wisconsin?
  • What other special observance days are celebrated in Wisconsin?
  • Does your school observe Leif Erikson Day?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on October 9:

    1635: Roger Williams is banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony due to religious differences.
    1776: Spanish missionaries settle in the area of present-day San Francisco.



  • October 9

    October 9, 1929: Gov. Walter Kohler, Sr. signed a law declaring October 9 as an official state observance day honoring Leif Erikson as the first European to arrive in America.


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