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Washington Today
By the People, for the People
The Evolving History of Presidents' Day
From Washington's Birthday to a Celebration of All U.S. Presidents
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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Originally established to honor George Washington's birthday, the federal holiday known as Presidents' Day has undergone significant changes over the past century. The date was shifted to the third Monday in February to create more three-day weekends for federal employees, and several states now recognize the holiday under different names to honor specific founding figures.
Why it matters
The evolution of Presidents' Day reflects a broader trend in how Americans observe commemorative holidays, balancing the preservation of historical accuracy with the demands of modern life. As the workforce and societal values continue to shift, the way we honor historical events and figures is likely to continue evolving.
The details
George Washington's birthday was initially recorded as February 11th under the Julian calendar, but the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752 shifted it to February 22nd. For a period, Americans celebrated his birthday on both dates. In 1885, February 22nd was officially designated a federal holiday to commemorate Washington's birth. By the 1960s, there was a push to combine the celebrations of Washington and Abraham Lincoln into a single 'Presidents' Day.' The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved Washington's Birthday - and the evolving Presidents' Day - to the third Monday of February, beginning in 1971.
- George Washington was born in 1732 under the Julian calendar, with his birthdate initially recorded as February 11th.
- The adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752 shifted Washington's birthdate to February 22nd.
- In 1885, February 22nd was officially designated a federal holiday to commemorate Washington's birth.
- By the 1960s, there was a push to combine the celebrations of Washington and Abraham Lincoln into a single 'Presidents' Day'.
- The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved Washington's Birthday - and the evolving Presidents' Day - to the third Monday of February, beginning in 1971.
The players
George Washington
The first President of the United States, whose birthday was originally celebrated on February 22nd.
Abraham Lincoln
The 16th President of the United States, whose birthday is February 12th.
What’s next
As the workforce evolves and societal values shift, the way we honor historical figures and events will likely continue to change, with a focus on more inclusive celebrations that acknowledge a wider range of contributions and perspectives.
The takeaway
The transformation of Presidents' Day from a day honoring George Washington's birthday to a celebration of all U.S. presidents highlights the ongoing balance between preserving historical traditions and adapting to the needs of modern society. This evolution reflects a broader trend in how Americans observe commemorative holidays, as the focus shifts towards creating more inclusive and flexible celebrations.
