The History of Presidents’ Day

By: burgundy bug

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Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

Source: Washington D.C. – Shekinah | Penelope Peru Photography P³

The roots of patriotism run deep in America.

Presidents’ Day is a national holiday that has been federally observed on the third Monday in Feb by the United States since 1885. Schools and financial institutions across the country close their doors in honor of those who have served as the face of our nation.

The History of President’s Day

Presidents’ Day started in honor of our nation’s first president, George Washington. However, today isn’t just about him. It is a holiday for all of our previous, present, and future presidents. Yes, that includes 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.

Some parts of the United States also pay particular homage to former president Abraham Lincoln, who’s birthday also happens to fall around the middle of Feb.

According to HISTORY, the celebration of Presidents’ Day began in the District of Columbia on Feb 22, George Washington’s birthday, in 1880. In 1885, it became a federally recognized holiday.

Until the Uniform Monday Holiday Act introduced by Congress in the late 1960s, Presidents’ Day was celebrated on Feb 22. Now, it is recognized the third Monday of every Feb. This act was put in place to increase the amount of three-day weekends and ensure that national holidays would always fall on the same day of the week.

What’s Open on Presidents’ Day?

Not a whole lot, to be quite frank. Public schools, universities, banks, courts, as well as the United States Postal Service (USPS), are closed. Some websites may process online orders on Presidents’ Day, but it’s important to bare potential shipping delays in mind.

State parks and retail stores are still open on Presidents’ Day. Many retailers may even run special deals in honor of the holiday!

Presidents’ Day has been a federal holiday in the United States for over 130 years. It honors George Washington, the very first President of the United States, as well as the current president.

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