What is Presidents’ Day?

It's the third Monday in February, which usually means it's Presidents' Day! Right? Well, that's not exactly the case.

The truth is, this federal holiday started as Washington's Birthday, in honor of the "Father of Our Country" and first president of the United States, George Washington.

So why does everyone call it “Presidents’ Day”?

George Washington’s birthday was considered the first federal holiday that honors an American citizen. Because of this, it was originally celebrated on February 22, which was George Washington’s actual birthday.

The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971, however, shifted Washington's Birthday from February 22 to the floating date of the third Monday in February. This oddly places George Washington’s birthday somewhere between February 15 and 21 each year – making it never land on his actual birthday of February 22.

What is the holiday’s actual name?

Although Washington's Birthday is the official federal holiday, many states celebrate Washington's, Lincoln's, or a combination of the two on Presidents' Day. The holiday's actual name isn't Presidents' Day; therefore, the spelling may change from time to time. Both "Presidents' Day" and "President’s Day" are acknowledged and respected.

While many people believe "President's Day" is a typo (which it is, if used to commemorate more than one person), it might be considered reasonable if used as a replacement for "Washington's Birthday" or to honor the office of the President.