Key Takeaways
- Presidents Day is a federal holiday that falls on the third Monday of February each year
- The holiday originated as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday, but has evolved to honor all U.S. presidents
- Presidents Day will be observed on Monday, February 16, 2026
- Government offices, U.S. Postal Service post offices, and banks will be closed on Presidents Day
- Retailers, grocery stores, and pharmacies may have modified hours or be closed on Presidents Day
Introduction to Presidents Day
As the cold winter months drag on, many Americans are looking forward to a long weekend in February, courtesy of Presidents Day. This federal holiday, which falls on the third Monday of February each year, is a day to honor every person who has held the office of the President of the United States. Originally created to celebrate George Washington’s birthday, Presidents Day has evolved over time to become a day to recognize the contributions of all U.S. presidents. In this article, we will explore the history of Presidents Day, its significance, and what to expect on this holiday.
The History of Presidents Day
Presidents Day was created by Congress in 1879 to commemorate the birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States. At the time, the holiday was celebrated on February 22, Washington’s actual birthday. However, in 1968, the Uniform Holidays Act changed the date of celebration to the third Monday of February. This change was made to create longer weekends for Americans, allowing them to travel and spend more time with family and friends. Over time, the holiday has come to be known colloquially as Presidents Day, although its official name remains Washington’s Birthday.
The Evolution of Presidents Day
The evolution of Presidents Day is closely tied to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln’s birthday, which falls on February 12, is often celebrated in conjunction with Washington’s birthday. As a result, the holiday has come to be known as Presidents Day, a day to honor all U.S. presidents, not just Washington and Lincoln. While there is no law or act that officially changed the name of the holiday, the term Presidents Day has become widely accepted and is now used by many Americans to refer to the holiday.
What to Expect on Presidents Day
So, what can you expect on Presidents Day? For starters, many government offices, including federal and state offices, will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026. The U.S. Postal Service will also be closed, and mail will not be delivered on this day. Additionally, banks, including branches of major banks such as Capital One, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, will be closed. The stock market will also be closed on Presidents Day. If you need to do some shopping, you may want to check the hours of your local retailers, grocery stores, and pharmacies, as they may have modified hours or be closed on Presidents Day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Presidents Day is a federal holiday that honors the contributions of all U.S. presidents. With its origins dating back to 1879, the holiday has evolved over time to become a day to recognize the life and legacy of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and all other U.S. presidents. As we approach Presidents Day 2026, it’s essential to know what to expect, including which businesses will be open or closed. Whether you plan to spend the day relaxing at home or exploring your local community, Presidents Day is a great opportunity to take a break and enjoy some well-deserved time off.
