US Marks Leif Erikson Day on 9 October

The United States officially observes Leif Erikson Day on 9 October. The day honours a Viking leader who is believed to have reached the shores of America in the year 1000, making him the first European known to have done so.

According to historical accounts, Leif Erikson is the earliest European known to have arrived on the American continent. The voyage is dated to roughly one thousand years ago, well before other European journeys toward the Americas. The source stresses that the date is an estimate, which is why it says he "is believed" to have made the journey.

The US marks the day officially, honouring the Viking leader's achievement and his place in the history of the discovery of America.

The item appeared in the "This Day in History" series of LSM, Latvian public media, which recalls events tied to a particular calendar date.