On the 12th day of October in 1962, a raging windstorm ravaged the Puget Sound region. It was ranked as one of the worst extratropical cyclones to ever hit the Pacific Northwest. The storm travelled at a rate of 1800 miles in a period of less than one-and-half days which is actually faster than a hurricane.

What were the Impacts of the Storm?

There were 46 reported deaths and hundreds of injuries with property worth over $235 billion being destroyed. In a span of 12 hours the wind had blown off over 11 billion board feet of timber.

Radio, TV and other communication networks were affected as trees fell on the wires. The power distribution networks had to be rebuilt afresh as they were completely destroyed.

Some of the effects of this 1962 disaster can still be felt today with Columbus travel to the countryside being disrupted as most roads destroyed by the storm are still unimproved.

The storm's memorabilia is preserved at various Columbus museums which is a major boost to Columbus travel as these archives are an attraction site where visitors can have a glimpse of the effects of the destructive storm.

Further information on:

http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=5325

http://www.salemhistory.net/natural_history/columbus_day_storm_1962.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/news/2002/2002-10-12-columbus-day-storm_x.htm

Columbus as the name suggests stands for Christopher Columbus who first discovered America in the year 1492. They day normally comes on the second Monday of October. The Columbus Day is the anniversary of the day when the man discovered the country. The day is also known as the day of the Americans or the day of indigenous resistance. This day is celebrated as a legal holiday in most parts of America.

What do people do on Columbus Day?

Columbus day is a holiday for all age groups but especially for kids there are a lot of activities they can take part in and know more about Columbus Day and give way to their creativity. The kids can take part in Columbus Day coloring pages where they have a coloring competition or have to color the picture of Christopher Columbus.

They can also find their way to America and have a fun way to discovering the country and knowing more about its history. The elder kids also perform a skit on Columbus with regard to the history of America. This makes them not only find out more about the country but also help them give way to innovation and increase mind power.

There are cross words and word games that adults can play and contest among themselves. Games like making words out of Christopher Columbus would increase the word forming ability of the kids and elders alike. Younger kids can also make crafts like a boat reaching America or a newspaper hat which is like the ones sailors used to wear. They can also try their crafting skills in making paper telescope.

There are a lot of things to do on Columbus Day and no matter what your age you can enjoy all of them to the hilt.

Some links for more information:

http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/columbus/

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/columbus-day/when-is-columbus-day.html

http://www.abcteach.com/directory/seasonalholidays/columbus_day/

http://atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Columbus_Day/