Presidents Day

President's Day History

Presidents Day pays tribute to the country's past presidents and their contributions to the nation. Originally established to honor President George Washington, the holiday has since evolved to encompass all presidents, and particularly those who have left a significant impact upon American history. The observance promotes greater understanding and respect for the nation's highest political office, fostering a deeper awareness of the leadership, perseverance, and courage exhibited by past presidents.

The establishment of Presidents Day dates back to 1885 when it was initially commemorated as 'Washington's Birthday'. In 1971, under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, the commemoration moved from Washington's birth date of February 22 to the third Monday of February, effectively creating a long weekend. Currently, Presidents Day serves as a reminder for Americans to reflect on the country's history and the role that each president has played in shaping the United States, from legislation and political victories, to leadership during turbulent times.

Presidents Day in America is observed through various activities including educational programs, reenactments, and events that provide insights into the lives and legacies of past presidents. In schools, it's traditionally a day to learn about presidents and their influence on the country. Public celebrations and ceremonies organized by municipalities, heritage societies and historical organizations are common. While recognized nationwide, actual observance varies across states. Presidents Day is annually observed on the third Monday in February.

Top 10 Facts for Presidents Day in 2026

• Despite being widely known as Presidents Day, the federal holiday's official name remains Washington's Birthday as established under section 6103(a) of Title 5 of the United States Code, because a proposal to rename it was rejected by Congress in 1968.
• The observance never actually occurs on George Washington's birthday, February 22, because the Uniform Monday Holiday Act mandates it be held on the third Monday of February, ensuring it always falls between February 15 and 21.
• George Washington remains the only president in history to be elected with 100% of the electoral vote, a feat he achieved twice before the 12th Amendment altered the voting process.
• To mark the occasion each year, the United States Senate continues a tradition dating back to 1896 of selecting a member to read Washington's Farewell Address aloud in its entirety on the Senate floor.
• The 2026 observance serves as a major milestone for the semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the nation, acting as a kickoff for the year-long America 250 celebration that culminates on July 4th.
• The popular myth that a young George Washington chopped down a cherry tree and confessed by saying, "I cannot tell a lie," was originally popularized by biographer Parson Mason Weems in his book The Life of Washington and is the primary reason cherry pie is traditionally eaten on the holiday.
• While the federal government honors only Washington, many individual states have passed their own laws to include Abraham Lincoln, who was also born in February, or to honor all past and present chief executives under the umbrella of Presidents' Day.
• The widespread shift to the name Presidents Day was largely driven by retail marketing campaigns in the 1980s that sought to turn the three-day weekend into a major event for consumer sales on big-ticket items like mattresses and electronics.
• Before the United States adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, George Washington’s birthday was officially recorded as February 11, 1731, meaning he technically had two birthdays during his lifetime due to the eleven-day calendar shift.
• As part of the 2026 celebrations, the National Mall is expected to break ground on the National Garden of American Heroes, a new outdoor park planned to feature statues of significant figures who shaped the country's first 250 years.

In the News and Trending in the US for Presidents Day

Top things to do in the US for Presidents Day

• Go shopping for a car. Presidents day weekend typically features some of the best car deals of the year as dealers try to clear out prior-year inventory.
• Read Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and reflect on his contributions to the United States.
• Visit Mt. Vernon, VA, Washington's ancestral home and place of both he and his wife Martha's tomb. Admission is free on President's Day.
• Read George Washington's Farewell Address and reflect on his contributions to United States.
• Visit the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.