What exactly is President's Day?

History of the Holiday (Presidents Day) The original version of the holiday was in commemoration of George Washington's birthday in 1796 (the last full year of his presidency). Washington, according to the calendar that has been used since at least the mid-18th century, was born on February 22, 1732. According to the old style calendar in use back then, however, he was born on February 11. At least in 1796, many Americans celebrated his birthday on the 22nd while others marked the occasion on the 11th instead.

At one time we had Lincoln's birthday, in February, and Washington's birthday, in February. Government decided that if we put them together, called it a Monday holiday, we could take a day off work. We still emphasize Washington, and Lincoln, and we learn about other presidents as well.

We once celebrated the birthdays of our presidents. So since there were a few close together they combined them into Presidents day. The banks and post offices are closed and some businesses though not many. The same thing happened on Martin Luther Kings day.