10 Surprising Presidents’ Day Facts: History, Myths, and George Washington
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC, today, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, Americans across the country are enjoying a three-day weekend. While most call it “Presidents’ Day,” the history behind this federal holiday is far more complex (and strange) than a simple mattress sale might suggest.
From calendar shifts to “state-sponsored” birthdays, here are 10 surprising facts that make this holiday a distinct—and often misunderstood—American tradition.
1. “Presidents’ Day” Isn’t the Official Name
Believe it or not, the federal government doesn’t recognize the name “Presidents’ Day.” Under Section 6103(a) of the U.S. Code, the holiday is still officially titled “Washington’s Birthday.” While states and retailers have adopted the broader name, the federal law has never been changed to include other presidents.
2. George Washington Had Two Birthdays
Due to a massive calendar shift in the 18th century, Washington’s birth date moved. He was originally born on Feb. 11, 1731, under the Julian calendar. When the British Empire switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthday jumped to Feb. 22, 1732.
3. The Holiday Never Falls on Washington’s Actual Birthday
Thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, the holiday is observed on the third Monday of February. Because of this math, the “official” celebration always falls between February 15 and 21—meaning it can never actually land on Washington’s birthday (Feb. 22).
4. It Was the First Holiday to Honor an Individual
Washington’s Birthday was the first federal holiday dedicated to a single person’s birth date. For nearly a century, Americans celebrated it informally as a symbol of the “American experiment” before it received federal status in 1879.
5. Washington Wasn’t a Fan of Birthday Parties
Unlike the lavish celebrations we see today, Washington’s own diaries suggest he preferred a quiet day at home. On one of his birthdays, he simply noted in his diary that it snowed all day and he stayed inside.
6. Abraham Lincoln is the “Uninvited Guest”
While we often use today to honor Abraham Lincoln (born Feb. 12), Congress actually rejected a proposal to rename the holiday “Presidents’ Day” to include him back in 1968. However, the proximity of their birthdays led the public to link the two iconic leaders forever.
7. Retailers Invented the “Modern” Holiday
The shift to a Monday holiday in 1971 created the legendary “three-day weekend.” By the 1980s, retailers realized that “Presidents’ Day Sales” were the perfect way to move inventory (especially mattresses!) during the winter slump, solidifying the name in the American lexicon.
8. Why We Eat Cherry Pie
The tradition of eating cherry pie today stems from the famous myth of a young Washington chopping down a cherry tree. While historians agree the story was fabricated by biographer Parson Weems to illustrate Washington’s honesty, the dessert stuck as a holiday staple.
9. The First Seven Presidents Weren’t Born in the “USA”
Because they were born before 1776, the first seven U.S. Presidents were technically born as British subjects. Martin Van Buren (the 8th President) was the first to be born as a natural-born citizen of the United States after the Declaration of Independence.
10. A 7,000-Word Tradition Still Lives in the Senate
Since 1862, the U.S. Senate has maintained a tradition of reading Washington’s Farewell Address aloud every year. A single senator is chosen to read the 7,641-word letter, alternating between political parties each year to honor the precedent of a peaceful transition of power.
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Tags: #PresidentsDay #AmericanHistory #GeorgeWashington #AbrahamLincoln #HolidayFacts #USPolitics #2026Holidays
