George Washington's birthday, February 22, was originally established as a government office holiday in 1880 for the District of Columbia and expanded in 1885 for all federal offices in the United States. It was the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen and was celebrated on his actual birthday. The observance was moved to the third Monday in February by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1981.
I'd like to say that's when the confusion began, but, as far as I can tell, that started earlier. The move to "Presidents' Day" started in 1951 (leave it to the government to mess things up when they get bored) with the thought of honoring all presidents - the original date for this to be March 4. However, Congress voted to keep the name "George Washington's Birthday" as the official holiday in 1968. The big push by advertisers (go figure) to "Presidents' Day" started in the mid-1980's and now some states celebrate "Presidents' Day" while others recognize "Washington and Lincoln Day" while still others name it something different.
So... I'm still not totally clear on the official name of the holiday, but, who cares?!?! The bottom line is that it's a three-day weekend - ENJOY!
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