Washington's Birthday in the United States
Washington’s Birthday is a United States federal holiday honoring George Washington, the country’s first president. Federal law places it on the third Monday in February, though many people and businesses call it Presidents Day.[1][2][3]
A federal holiday with a local name
The law lists Washington’s Birthday among the federal legal public holidays. The holiday applies to the federal government; states set their own legal holidays, so its status and name can vary across the country.[1][2]
Congress first made February 22 a holiday for federal employees in the District of Columbia in 1879. In 1885, federal holidays became paid holidays for federal employees nationwide. The familiar name Presidents Day is used by some state and local jurisdictions and retailers, but it is not the official federal name.[2][3]
Why it falls on a Monday
Washington’s Birthday was once observed on February 22, his birthday under the Gregorian calendar. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved its federal observance to the third Monday in February, effective in 1971. That Monday can fall between February 15 and 21, so it never lands on February 22.[2]
Because the date is always a Monday, a weekend substitute day is not normally needed for employees on a Monday-to-Friday schedule. Federal employees whose regular workweek makes the holiday a nonworkday may have an in-lieu holiday determined under federal rules.[1][4]
Remembering Washington
The holiday honors Washington’s service as commander in chief of the Continental Army and as the first president. Celebrations of his birthday began during his lifetime; accounts of early observances describe public dinners, balls, parades and other gatherings.[2][5]
The U.S. Senate keeps a formal birthday tradition: each year, a senator reads Washington’s 1796 Farewell Address aloud during a legislative session. The practice began in 1862 and became an annual event in 1896.[5]
What to expect on the holiday
Federal agencies include Washington’s Birthday in their holiday schedules. The Federal Reserve System also observes it, so check the relevant office or financial service for its hours. The federal designation does not set a single schedule for state and local agencies or private businesses; check directly with schools, shops, museums and transport providers before making plans.[2][3][6]
Frequently asked questions
When is Washington’s Birthday observed?
It is observed on the third Monday in February under federal law.[1]
Is Presidents Day the official federal name?
No. The federal statute names it Washington’s Birthday, though some state and local jurisdictions and retailers use Presidents Day.[1][3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Washington's Birthday in United States:
- 5 USC 6103: Holidays- Office of the Law Revision Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives
- George Washington's Birthday- National Archives and Records Administration
- What is the official name for the holiday on the third Monday in February?- U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- Federal Holidays - "In Lieu Of" Determination- U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- About Traditions & Symbols | Washington's Farewell Address- U.S. Senate
- Federal Reserve Board - Holidays Observed - K.8- Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System