WASHINGTON, D.C. — President’s Day, a federal holiday celebrated annually on the third Monday of February, has a rich history that dates back more than two centuries.
The holiday was originally established to honor George Washington, the country’s first president, on his birthday, which was February 22nd. The first observance of the holiday was held in 1800, just two years after Washington’s death.
For many years, the holiday was known as Washington’s Birthday and was celebrated on February 22nd. It wasn’t until 1971 that the date of the holiday was changed to the third Monday of February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which was enacted to create more three-day weekends for American workers.
Over time, the holiday came to be known as President’s Day, and its purpose expanded to include honoring all past presidents of the United States. Many people use the day to visit historic sites or museums dedicated to the presidency, and some schools teach lessons about the country’s presidents and their accomplishments.
While the holiday has evolved over the years, its roots in honoring Washington remain an important part of its history. As historian Ron Chernow noted in a 2018 article for The New York Times, “Washington’s legacy as the father of our country is still very much alive, and his birthday deserves to be commemorated with dignity and reverence.”