Presidents’ Day is officially called Washington’s Birthday at the federal level. The name has never been legally changed, even though most people use “Presidents’ Day.”

The holiday honors George Washington’s birth, which was February 22, 1732, but the celebration date always falls on a Monday.

Washington was actually born on February 11 according to the calendar used at the time. Britain later adopted the Gregorian calendar, shifting his birthday to February 22.

Presidents’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February, meaning it never occurs on Washington’s actual birthday.

The Monday holiday system was created by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 and was designed to give workers more three day weekends.

Abraham Lincoln is commonly associated with Presidents’ Day, even though he is not mentioned in federal law. His birthday is February 12.

Some states officially recognize both Washington and Lincoln, while others honor all U S presidents collectively.

Several states still call the holiday Washington’s Birthday, including Virginia, which was Washington’s home state.

Presidents’ Day became popular as a multi president holiday through advertising, especially retail sales promotions.

No U S president has been born on Presidents’ Day, despite many birthdays being close to the date.

Presidents’ Day is one of the busiest travel weekends in the United States, especially for winter tourism.

Many Americans associate the holiday with major retail sales, even though shopping has nothing to do with its original purpose.