Today in History
February 18, 1880
The First President’s Day
The first official observation of 'President’s Day' dates back to 1880 and originally commemorated George Washington's birthday on February 22. Festivities included receptions held by prominent figures and Birthnight Balls, a banquet and dance event that is still held at Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia, today.
Abraham Lincoln was a fellow February baby (February 12, 1809) and although his birthday was not honored as a federal holiday, many states adopted it as a legal holiday. In order to create a uniform system of federal holidays, Congress voted in 1968 to shift three existing holidays to Mondays, thereby combining Washington and Lincoln's birthday celebrations into the third Monday in February.
Today the holiday is still officially known as Washington's Birthday but many recognize it as a day to honor all who have served as president.
Abraham Lincoln was a fellow February baby (February 12, 1809) and although his birthday was not honored as a federal holiday, many states adopted it as a legal holiday. In order to create a uniform system of federal holidays, Congress voted in 1968 to shift three existing holidays to Mondays, thereby combining Washington and Lincoln's birthday celebrations into the third Monday in February.
Today the holiday is still officially known as Washington's Birthday but many recognize it as a day to honor all who have served as president.
Today's Feature History Article
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a planet. It's a very large ball of ice!
It's Pluto, with its moon, Charon
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