Presidents' Day: History, Dates & What's Open/Closed

03 May, 2025

Why do we set aside a day in February to celebrate the leaders of the United States? Presidents' Day, a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February, is a time to reflect on the legacy of American presidents, honoring their contributions to the nation's history.

Presidents' Day, as it is commonly known, is officially recognized as Washington's Birthday at the federal governmental level. It is a holiday in the United States, observed annually on the third Monday of February. The date for Presidents' Day fluctuates, but it always falls in February, with Presidents' Day 2025 being on February 17th. The day is often viewed as a celebration of the lives and birthdays of all U.S. presidents, and while it is often associated with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, its scope has expanded over the years.

Attribute	Details
Holiday Name	Presidents' Day (Officially Washington's Birthday)
Date of Observance	Third Monday of February
Primary Figures Honored	George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and all U.S. Presidents
Historical Significance	Celebrates the history of the American presidency and the lives of those who have held the office.
Origin	Evolved from the celebration of George Washington's birthday, which began shortly after his death.
Purpose	To honor the lives and achievements of U.S. Presidents and recognize their contributions to the nation.
Observed By	Federal government, many businesses, and educational institutions.
2025 Date	February 17, 2025
Retail Impact	Often associated with retail sales and promotions.
Federal Holiday Status	A recognized federal holiday, providing a day off for many workers.

The origins of Presidents' Day stretch back to the early days of the United States. Historically, Americans began celebrating George Washington's birthday just months after his death in 1799. This informal observance evolved over time, becoming a more formalized recognition of the first president and his contributions to the nation. Although Washington wasn't particularly fond of celebrating his birthday often spending the day working a grateful nation nonetheless honored the occasion both during his lifetime and after his passing.

In the late 1870s, a significant development occurred. Senator Steven Wallace Dorsey proposed the idea of adding Washington's birth date, February 22, to the list of existing bank holidays. The proposal gained traction, and in 1885, Congress officially designated February 22 as a holiday for all federal workers. This marked a significant step towards the holiday we recognize today.

While the initial focus was on honoring George Washington, the holiday's association with Abraham Lincoln also became increasingly prominent. Lincoln, born on February 12, is another iconic figure of American history, and his birthday was often celebrated in conjunction with Washington's. The convergence of these two important birthdays Washington on February 22 and Lincoln on February 12 contributed to the evolution of the holiday into a broader commemoration of all U.S. presidents.

The shift to the third Monday in February came later. Although Washington's birthday is on February 22, the holiday was changed to the third Monday of February. This was part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which aimed to create more three-day weekends for federal employees and stimulate the economy by consolidating several holidays. This shift further broadened the scope of the holiday, moving it away from a specific date and towards a more inclusive recognition of the presidency.

The impact of Presidents' Day extends beyond ceremonial recognition. The day often marks a day off for many, and retail sales at many businesses. This has led to the holiday being closely associated with sales, promotions, and special offers. This commercial aspect is a significant part of the modern-day observance, creating opportunities for consumers to take advantage of deals and discounts.

The holiday's designation as a federal holiday means that branches of many financial institutions, such as Capital One, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Chase, Truist, and Citibank, will be closed. This can impact the daily routines of many people and underscores the holiday's official status.

While the focus remains on honoring U.S. presidents, the holiday is also sometimes understood as a celebration of the birthdays and lives of all U.S. presidents. Furthermore, many people use the long weekend to enjoy leisure activities, travel, and spend time with family and friends.

The question of when the next major federal holiday will occur is often relevant. Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May, is the next significant holiday after Presidents' Day. It provides another opportunity for a day off and a time to honor those who have served in the U.S. military.

In several states, the holiday is celebrated as "Washington's Birthday." Some states might choose to observe Lincoln's Birthday (February 12) separately. This variation in observance highlights the holiday's historical roots and the different ways it is interpreted across the country.

The popular name "Presidents' Day" reflects the way in which the holiday is generally understood and the widespread way it is celebrated. The position of the holiday between the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln gave rise to this name.

Understanding the origins, evolution, and contemporary significance of Presidents' Day gives a greater appreciation of its role in American society. Presidents' Day is a time to reflect on the leaders who have shaped the nation and the enduring values of the American presidency. It is observed on the third Monday in February, it is a federal holiday that honors the nations past leaders, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Initially, it was established to recognize Washingtons birthday, but Presidents Day has become a broader celebration of all U.S.

According to reports from the Kroger website, most Kroger locations will have normal operating hours on Presidents Day. Giant Eagle also generally remains open on Presidents Day, according to the hours guides.

Beyond the holiday's commercial and celebratory aspects, Presidents' Day provides an opportunity to learn more about the presidents themselves. The Govinfo website, among other resources, provides documents, resources, and activities related to the U.S. presidency.

In summary, Presidents Day, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February, is an occasion for remembrance, celebration, and reflection on the history and legacy of the American presidency. From its roots in honoring George Washington's birthday, it has grown into a broader tribute to all U.S. presidents. It's a day for many to have off, and it's an occasion for retail sales at many businesses. By recognizing the significance of this holiday, Americans acknowledge the importance of leadership and the enduring values of the United States.

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