George Washington’s birthday was celebrated on February 22 until well into the 20th Century. However, in 1968 Congress passed the Monday Holiday Law to provide uniform annual observances of certain legal public holidays on Mondays. By creating more three-day weekends, Congress hoped to “bring substantial benefits to both the spiritual and economic life of the Nation.” One such day was President’s Day which, technically and officially, remains George Washington’s Birthday holiday.

The U.S. National Archives contends that, contrary to popular belief, neither Congress nor the President has ever stipulated that the name of the holiday this Monday be changed from Washington’s Birthday to President’s Day, nor was there direct intent originally to make the holiday about any President other than George Washington. That includes Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday was this past Wednesday, February 12.

The name President’s Day became popular as retailers used it to advertise and promote their February sales with slogans and caricatures associated with a number of past Presidents. Ironically, President’s Day on the third Monday of February guarantees that the holiday will never fall on the actual birthday of Washington or Lincoln.

A National Archives document features additional details and fun facts surrounding the history and traditions of this February holiday.