| Presidents Day | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | United States |
| Type | Federal holiday |
| Date | Third Monday in February |
| Scheduling | Varies (third Monday) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Celebrates | The lives and legacies of U.S. Presidents |
Presidents Day, officially known as **Washington’s Birthday**, is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the **third Monday of February** each year. It honors **George Washington**, the nation’s first president, and is commonly used to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present.
Origins
Originally established in 1885 to commemorate **George Washington’s birthday** (February 22), the holiday became popularly known as *Presidents Day* after the **Uniform Monday Holiday Act** of 1971 moved it to create a long weekend.
Though still officially called *Washington’s Birthday* in federal law, most Americans recognize it as a day to honor:
- **George Washington**
- **Abraham Lincoln** (born February 12)
- All presidents collectively
Traditions and Observances
- Government offices, banks, and schools often close
- Many retailers run **Presidents Day sales**
- Historical reenactments and educational events take place
- Students may learn about the **U.S. presidency**, Constitution, and civic duties
Symbolism
Presidents Day celebrates:
- The founding of American democracy
- The leadership of key historical figures
- National unity and reflection on public service
Notable Locations
- Mount Vernon, Washington’s estate in Virginia
- Lincoln Memorial – Washington, D.C.
- Mount Rushmore – South Dakota
Fun Facts
- George Washington was born in 1732, and Abraham Lincoln in 1809
- Washington is the only U.S. president to receive 100% of the Electoral College vote
- Some states still celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday and Washington’s Birthday separately