Photo byAnna LandonUnsplash

As October rolls around, it's important to be aware of upcoming holidays and how they impact daily activities. If you’re planning a visit to the post office in West Virginia, keep in mind that all branches will be closed on Columbus Day, Monday, October 14, 2024. This closure affects not just post offices in the Mountain State but nationwide, as the U.S. Postal Service recognizes this as a federal holiday.

Federal Holidays Observed by Post Offices

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) observes a total of 11 federal holidays each year when all post office locations are closed. These holidays are:

1. New Year’s Day – January 1
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Third Monday in January
3. Presidents' Day – Third Monday in February
4. Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
5. Juneteenth National Independence Day – June 19
6. Independence Day – July 4
7. Labor Day – First Monday in September
8. Columbus Day – Second Monday in October
9. Veterans Day – November 11
10. Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November
11. Christmas Day – December 25

These closures impact all mail services, so it’s always wise to plan around them to avoid delays.

Columbus Day and its Observance

Columbus Day has been observed on the second Monday of October since 1971, celebrating Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. For many years, it has been recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, meaning that federal government offices, including post offices, are closed.

While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, the decision to observe it at the state level varies. Currently, about 20 U.S. states do not observe Columbus Day as an official state holiday. States like Hawaii, Alaska, Oregon, and South Dakota have opted not to celebrate the holiday. In some cases, they observe alternatives, such as Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day that honors the histories and cultures of Native American communities.

West Virginia, however, continues to observe Columbus Day, and state offices, schools, and post offices will be closed on this day. If you’re in a state that doesn’t formally recognize Columbus Day, post offices will still be closed since it remains a federal holiday.

Planning Ahead

With West Virginia post offices closed on Columbus Day, it’s important to plan ahead for any mailing needs. Post offices will reopen on Tuesday, October 15, with normal operating hours. While the holiday brings a pause to postal services, online tools like USPS.com will still be available, allowing customers to track packages, print labels, and access other services.

If you need to make shipments before Columbus Day, be sure to visit your local post office or drop off your packages before the holiday weekend to avoid any delays!