In 1914, James rode 4,000 miles on horseback across the U.S. to gather endorsements from 24 state governors. He presented these signatures to the White House to petition for a national holiday. Early State Observances
While a federal holiday was not immediately established, several states took the lead in the early 1900s: american indian day
Became the first state to officially recognize American Indian Day, choosing the second Saturday in May. In 1914, James rode 4,000 miles on horseback across the U