Every February, Americans enjoy a long weekend known as Presidents' Day. For many, it’s associated with retail sales, time off work, and the unofficial midpoint of winter. But the story behind Presidents Day runs much deeper. It’s rooted in our nation's founding and reflects America’s long-standing respect for leadership, civic duty, and constitutional principles.
At Alien Gear Holsters, we value American history and the freedoms secured by those who helped shape this country. Understanding the origins of Presidents' Day reminds us of the leadership and sacrifice that built the United States.
The Origin: George Washington’s Birthday
Presidents' Day began as a celebration of a single man: George Washington.
Born on February 22, 1732, Washington was the commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and later became the first President of the United States. His leadership during America’s fight for independence and his role in establishing the presidency set the tone for every administration that followed.
Even during his lifetime, Washington was widely admired. After his death in 1799, February 22 became a day of remembrance. By the mid-1800s, Washington’s Birthday was celebrated nationwide, and in 1879 it became an official federal holiday—initially observed only in Washington, D.C. In 1885, it was expanded to include the entire country.
At the time, it was one of only a handful of federal holidays and the first to honor an individual American citizen.
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday and the Growing Tradition
Another key figure in the evolution of Presidents' Day was Abraham Lincoln.
Born on February 12, 1809, Lincoln led the country through one of its most difficult periods—the Civil War—and played a pivotal role in preserving the Union and ending slavery. While Lincoln’s birthday was never established as a federal holiday, many states began celebrating it independently.
For decades, Americans recognized two separate February presidential birthdays. February 12 was observed in honor of Lincoln, and February 22 was set aside for Washington. Over time, the proximity of the two dates naturally encouraged conversations about combining the celebrations into a broader recognition of presidential leadership.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act
The modern version of Presidents' Day emerged in the late 1960s.
In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which aimed to give American workers more three-day weekends by moving certain federal holidays to Mondays. The act went into effect in 1971.
As part of this change, Washington’s Birthday was moved from February 22 to the third Monday in February. The holiday now always falls between February 15 and February 21, meaning it never actually lands on Washington’s true birthday.
There was an initial proposal to officially rename the holiday “Presidents Day” to honor both Washington and Lincoln. While that name was not formally adopted at the federal level—the holiday is still legally called “Washington’s Birthday”—the term “Presidents Day” gained widespread popularity in the public and commercial sectors. Today, the name “Presidents Day” is commonly used nationwide.
What Presidents' Day Represents
Though the legal name remains Washington’s Birthday, the modern holiday has evolved into a broader celebration of presidential leadership.
For some, it honors George Washington as the nation’s founding president and Abraham Lincoln for preserving the Union during the Civil War. For others, it serves as a day to recognize all U.S. presidents who have served throughout American history.
Presidents' Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the office of the presidency itself—an institution central to our constitutional system. The executive branch was designed with checks and balances in mind, ensuring power is limited and accountable to the people. That structure, laid out in the Constitution, remains one of the defining features of American government.
Traditions and Celebrations
While Presidents' Day is now often associated with major retail sales, many communities still observe the holiday with more traditional events.
Schools across the country frequently use the holiday as an opportunity to teach students about Washington, Lincoln, and the broader history of the presidency. Historical reenactments and educational programs are held at national landmarks such as Mount Vernon and Lincoln’s birthplace. Public ceremonies honoring the presidency and American civic traditions take place in various cities, and many Americans choose to visit monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C., to mark the occasion.
Mount Vernon, Washington’s estate in Virginia, often hosts special events, educational exhibits, and ceremonies to commemorate the holiday and the life of the nation’s first president.
For many Americans, Presidents' Day serves as a reminder of the country’s founding era and the principles of independence, constitutional governance, and civic responsibility.
Presidents Day and American Identity
The presidency is more than a political office—it represents continuity, leadership, and national identity.
From Washington’s voluntary decision to step down after two terms, which set a powerful precedent for peaceful transitions of power, to Lincoln’s commitment to preserving the Union during the nation’s greatest crisis, the office has played a central role in shaping American history.
The holiday provides a moment to reflect on the evolution of executive leadership, the challenges presidents have faced in times of war, economic hardship, and social change, and the resilience of constitutional government throughout the country’s history.
A Time to Reflect on American Freedoms
At Alien Gear Holsters, we recognize that the freedoms Americans enjoy today were shaped by the leaders of the past and protected by generations who followed.
The presidency exists within a constitutional system built to preserve individual liberty, limit government power, and protect fundamental rights. Presidents' Day serves as a reminder of that system—and of the responsibility citizens share to remain informed and engaged.
It’s also an opportunity to explore American history more deeply, whether by reading original documents like the Constitution, visiting historical sites, or teaching younger generations about the nation’s founding principles.
More Than Just a Long Weekend
While Presidents Day may mark a winter break or a chance to find a good sale, its origins tell a story of national respect for leadership and constitutional governance.
From George Washington’s example of service and restraint to Abraham Lincoln’s determination during the nation’s greatest crisis, the holiday reflects the enduring importance of principled leadership in American life.
As we observe Presidents Day, it’s worth taking a moment to look beyond the calendar and remember why the holiday exists: to honor the individuals who have carried the responsibility of leading a nation founded on freedom.