Presidents' Day Facts

In the United States, Presidents' Day occurs on the third Monday in February. After George Washington, the first president of the United States, it is also known as Washington's Birthday. The day is intended to honor George Washington and all of America's leaders. In 1879, it was declared a federal holiday. Although an effort was made in 1968 to designate the third Monday in February as Presidents' Day, it was unsuccessful. That was finally accomplished in 1971. Many states continue to refer to this day as Presidents' Day rather than Washington's Birthday. At this time, several states also commemorate Abraham Lincoln's birthday.

Facts about Presidents' Day that are worth knowing:

In the United States, Presidents' Day/Birthday Washington's is a federal holiday. Despite the fact that George's birthdate was February 22nd, his birthday is commemorated on the third Monday in February.

George Washington's birthday was honored when he was still living in the 1700s, and many people throughout the United States attended. In 1732, he was born, and in 1799, he died.

George Washington served two terms as president, from 1789 to 1793 and 1793 to 1797.

Prior to becoming president, George Washington served in the military. In 1783, the American Continental Army beat the British under his command. Many consider him to be the most influential politician in American history.

President Rutherford B. Hayes signed a law establishing February 22nd a federal holiday in 1879, almost a century later.

Although Abraham Lincoln shares a birthdate with George Washington, his is not a statutory holiday. His birthday is still commemorated in several states with George Washington's.

There are three colleges in Washington State, as well as the capital of the United States, Washington DC, which is named for George Washington.

On the quarter dollar coin and the one dollar note, George Washington is shown.

Cherries are a common ingredient in desserts during George Washington's birthday celebrations. The popularity of cherries may be traced back to a tale about George Washington. George Washington claimed he couldn't lie when asked whether he'd ever chopped down a cherry tree.

In the late 1980s, merchants began to utilize Presidents' Day as a day to clear out outdated merchandise.

George Washington's Farewell Address has been read in the Senate every year on February 22nd since 1888.

In the days preceding up to the vacation, schools often arrange classes and other events for their pupils. Some take place weeks in advance, since the holiday occurs on a week when schools are off for mid-winter break.

Presidents' Day is spelled differently by different people. Presidents' Day honors several presidents, while President's Day honors just one. The variation in spelling may be due to the fact that some people honor George Washington alone on this day, while others honor George and Abraham Lincoln, and still others honor all presidents.

Despite the fact that it is a federal holiday, each state is allowed to name it what they want and celebrate it as they want.

In the month of February, four presidents were born: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, William Harrison, and Ronald Reagan. Most people commemorate the first two presidents on Presidents' Day.