Presidents' Day History Starts With The First
News STaff • February 17, 2025
This holiday started near the birth of a nation
Yes, the bank is closed today and many government employees will not be at work. It is Presidents' Day and has been celebrated in the United States since Washington's term of leadership. This federal holiday has a deep history meant to acknowledge the first President's birthday and has become one to celebrate those whose leadership has withstood the test of time.
Officially the third Monday of February was started to commemorate the birthday of George Washington, which was actually born on February 22nd. Later in U.S. history President Lincoln was added to the list due to his accomplishments and his birthday being February 12th.
In modern times this day is well known for government employees, mail carriers and financial services being closed. It has also gained a reputation for shopping discounts.
While the first President was known as a humble and low-key figure, the public started the celebration of his birthday while he was still alive. The Mount Vernon Organization stated that while his birthday is still recognized to this day, the parameters around it changed in the late 20th century, when it unofficially became known as “Presidents’ Day”.
After Washington died in 1799, his birthday was informally celebrated across the country. It wasn’t until January 31, 1879, that Washington’s birthday became a federally recognized holiday.
On June 28, 1968, Congress passed the “Uniform Monday Holiday Act”. This law was to provide uniform annual observances of certain legal public holidays on Mondays. The act was also created to provide federal employees with more three-day weekends. Under this new law, Washington’s birthday would be celebrated on the third Monday of February, partially losing the value and identity of the importance of his birthday. Washington’s birthday has not been celebrated on the actual day of his birth since the law took effect in 1971.
While Washington and Lincoln set the standard of excellence for leadership of the nation, many people now use this holiday to reflect on the many people who have dared to hold the office.
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