As we approach the much-anticipated long weekend in February, many of us relish the prospect of an extra day to rest or spend time with family. But have you ever wondered why we celebrate Presidents Day? Originally earmarked as George Washington’s birthday, this holiday has evolved through a quirky twist of historical events and calendar changes. It’s a perfect opportunity to dive into the fascinating history of this day and share with our friends and neighbors the story that stretches back to the mid-1700s.
The Start
According to the Julian calendar, George Washington, known as America’s first president, was born on February 11, 1731, which England and its colonies still used. However, when England and its American colonies adopted the more accurate Gregorian calendar in 1752, Washington’s birthday leaped to February 22, 1732.
This calendar change, dropping 11 days in September 1752, was part of a broader adjustment that also moved the new year from March 25 to January 1. Thus began the complex history of Presidents Day, rooted in celebrating Washington’s birth under the auspices of shifting timekeeping practices.
The Legacy
The admiration and respect for George Washington following his presidency led to February 22 becoming an unofficial day of remembrance shortly after he died in 1799. Celebrating his contributions and leadership, Americans observed the day with various commemorations, linking the burgeoning tradition to the vivid memories of those who lived during Washington’s presidency.
This practice continued to grow in popularity, leading President Rutherford B. Hayes to officially sign the observance into law in 1879, thus solidifying February 22 as a federal holiday dedicated to honoring George Washington — a homage that unintentionally also hovered close to Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12, fostering a joint celebration of these two key presidents.
The transformation of this holiday into Presidents Day as we know it today was significantly shaped by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971. This Act sought to provide more three-day weekends for federal employees by moving the celebration of certain federal holidays, including Washington’s Birthday, to specific Mondays. Interestingly, the law itself did not rename Washington’s Birthday to Presidents Day. However, the adjustment sparked a gradual shift in state-level observance towards honoring all past presidents, not just Washington, under the more inclusive banner of Presidents Day.
Now, Presidents Day is marked on the third Monday of February, providing a moment to reflect not only on the monumental legacy of George Washington but also on the cumulative achievements of all individuals who have held the nation’s highest office. It’s a day that has broadened from its original focus, encouraging Americans to explore and appreciate the diverse history of presidential leadership.
So, as we enjoy this year’s Presidents Day, let’s take a moment to delve into the fascinating stories and legacies of our country’s past leaders, sharing and learning from the rich tapestry of American history that helps unite our community.
