TOPEKA, Kan. — Is Presidents Day the most perplexing holiday in the United States?
A large variety of names and interpretations related to this holiday exist across states, reflecting the numerous presidents it is meant to commemorate. Interestingly, the federal government does not even officially recognize the day as Presidents Day; it is formally known as Washington’s Birthday, dedicated to the very first president, who served as the initial benchmark for American leadership.
For over half a century, the holiday has not been celebrated on the actual birthday of any president, which is February 22 for George Washington. The term Presidents Day gained popularity after the holiday’s date was transitioned to a Monday, creating a mix of celebrations that has led some to wish for a return to honoring Washington solely.
“The concept of Presidents Day is a confusing mishmash of ideas,” remarked Hunter Abell, a Republican legislator from Washington state, voicing his concerns during a discussion on a proposal to rename the holiday in his state. He believes that by acknowledging all presidents, the significance of each one becomes diluted.
Washington’s legacy holds a prominent place, as he was recognized with a federal holiday beginning in 1879, although the settled date was established in 1971.
Individual states have taken various approaches to naming and celebrating this holiday over the years. Currently, 34 states retain some form of Washington’s name in their legislation, while 19 have opted for Presidents Day. A few states incorporate both names, with California simply referring to “the third Monday in February.”
On this upcoming Monday, 47 states will observe a public holiday. Indiana and Georgia pay tribute to Washington by granting state employees a day off on the day after Christmas.
Delaware stands out by having no official holiday pertaining to presidents; in 2009, its legislature decided on offering “two floating holidays” to state employees instead of a formal observance of Presidents Day.
Many believe that the name of the holiday carries significant weight. Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon advocates for a federal holiday strictly honoring him, stating that his notable character and achievements should not be obscured by a vague title.
In at least a dozen states that mention Washington by name, he shares this commemoration with other figures. In Alabama, for instance, Washington is paired with Thomas Jefferson, the third president and a key figure in drafting the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, Arkansas honors civil rights leader Daisy Gaston Bates alongside Washington.
Often, Abraham Lincoln is highlighted, with his presidency during the Civil War earning him high praise from historians. Fourteen states even allocate a distinct holiday for Lincoln, with most celebrated on his birthday, February 12. Interestingly, Indiana honors Lincoln with a state employee day off following Thanksgiving, recognizing his role in establishing the holiday in 1863.
Several other presidents also inspire dedicated days in certain states, such as Herbert Hoover in Iowa, Dwight Eisenhower in Kansas, and Harry Truman in Missouri, among others. Massachusetts marks John F. Kennedy’s birthday on May 29, also recognizing notable figures from the state’s history, including John Adams and Calvin Coolidge.
A unique example is Franklin D. Roosevelt Day, observed in Kentucky on January 30, honoring the president who helped lead the U.S. through the Great Depression and much of World War II. Additionally, there are proposals in states like Oklahoma to dedicate a holiday to Donald J. Trump, commemorated on November 5, the anniversary of last year’s presidential election.
Despite the well-intentioned observance of presidential days, public enthusiasm can vary. An example is Hoover Day in Iowa, which residents largely overlook, as many are unaware it exists, according to a curator from the state historical society.
Presidential impersonators abound at various events each year—though, unsurprisingly, Lincoln remains the most popular depiction among these impersonators. According to the Association of Lincoln Presenters, audiences consistently express delight at meeting Lincoln, with minimal dissatisfaction reported in numerous engagements since 2008. President John Cooper points out that when attending public events, people frequently approach him to engage and take photos, showing Lincoln’s enduring appeal.