This Monday marks Presidents’ Day, coinciding with the birthday of George Washington. But is that truly the origin of the holiday?
For more than 50 years, Americans have not celebrated the first president’s birth on his actual date. Instead, the United States observes Presidents’ Day on the third Monday of February.
A Matter of Calendars and Celebration
The shift in date is rooted in the complexities of calendar changes. George Washington was born on February 11, 1732, according to the Julian calendar then in use. When England and its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthday moved to February 22. The Gregorian calendar adds a “día bisiesto” every four years to align with the solar year.
During his presidency, between 1789 and 1797, Washington’s birthday was celebrated on both dates. In 1885, the 22nd of February became a formal holiday. However, this changed a century later.
In 1968, Congress considered combining the celebrations of Washington and Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, into a single holiday called Presidents’ Day. Legislators from Virginia, Washington’s home state, opposed the idea, and the initiative failed.
Congress did, however, pass the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that same year. This law moved several federal holidays to Mondays, creating occasional three-day weekends for Americans.
The law took effect in 1971, moving the celebration of Washington’s birthday to the third Monday in February.
Variations Across States
Not all states observe Presidents’ Day by that name. Virginia continues to call it Washington’s Day, whereas Alabama recognizes it as Washington and Jefferson Day, and Montana as Lincoln and Washington Birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Presidents’ Day?
Presidents’ Day originated as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday, but evolved through legislative changes to grow a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February.
Did the United States always celebrate Washington’s birthday on a Monday?
No, the United States originally celebrated Washington’s birthday on February 22. The date was moved to the third Monday of February in 1971 with the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
Do all states call the holiday “Presidents’ Day”?
No, some states have different names for the holiday. Virginia calls it Washington’s Day, Alabama calls it Washington and Jefferson Day, and Montana calls it Lincoln and Washington Birthday.
As the observance of Presidents’ Day continues, how might states balance honoring individual presidents with a broader celebration of the office?
