Washington, D.C. – Americans mark Leif Eriksson Day each year on October 9, celebrating the Norse explorer credited as the first European to set foot in North America—nearly five centuries before Columbus.
According to historical accounts and archaeological evidence at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Leif Eriksson landed there around the year 1000 CE, establishing a small Norse settlement. The site, now a UNESCO World Heritage location, offers tangible proof of Viking exploration across the Atlantic.
The annual observance, first proclaimed by Congress in 1964, honors Scandinavian-American heritage and the spirit of discovery. Communities across the United States, especially those with strong Nordic roots such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas, often host cultural events, flag raisings, and educational exhibits.
According to the Library of Congress, October 9 was chosen partly because it coincides with the arrival of the first organized group of Norwegian immigrants in New York in 1825 aboard the ship Restauration.
Leif Eriksson, son of famed Norseman Erik the Red, remains a symbol of courage and exploration—representing both Viking history and America’s multicultural story.
