What’s The History Behind Presidents Day?
Also known as Washington’s Birthday, Presidents Day has an interesting past that gives us a long weekend every February. Originally, it was a day to honor George Washington’s birthday, but over time, it became a celebration of all U.S. presidents.
In 1879, Congress declared Washington’s Birthday a holiday for government offices in Washington, D.C., expanding it nationwide in 1885. It was the first holiday dedicated to celebrating an individual American, followed later by Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Although Washington’s birthday was officially on February 22, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (1968) moved it to the third Monday in February to create more three-day weekends. While some opposed this change, the shift led to broader recognition of both Washington and Abraham Lincoln, contributing to the widespread use of "Presidents Day."
Despite a common myth, President Richard Nixon did not rename Washington’s Birthday—his 1971 executive order simply moved its observance. By the mid-1980s, the holiday was widely known as Presidents Day.
Explore Presidents Day Activities
What are the responsibilities of a U.S. president in a democracy? How has the role of the First Lady evolved over time?
Discover free Presidents Day activities, lesson plans, and classroom resources that explore the leadership, legacy, and impact of U.S. presidents. Engage students in history with this curated preK-12 collection and celebrate the contributions of Washington, Lincoln, and all U.S. presidents!
