Presidents Day traces its origin back to 1800, after President George Washington’s death in 1799. His birthday, Feb. 22, became a day to recognize and celebrate his contributions as the country’s first president. Presidents Day also marks the Feb. 12 birthday of President Abraham Lincoln.
The separate birthdays of Washington and Lincoln were combined into Presidents Day in 1971 following an executive order by President Richard Nixon enacting the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. It is set as the third Monday of February. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act also shifted Columbus Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day from their traditionally designated dates. Veterans Day was returned to Nov. 11 in 1980 due to widespread criticism.
