Presidents Day is more than just a day off work or a retail sales bonanza—it’s a celebration steeped in history and tradition. But how much do you really know about this holiday? Beyond the typical association with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, Presidents Day has an interesting evolution filled with fun quirks, lesser-known history, and fascinating trivia.

1. It Started As Washington's Birthday  

Presidents Day wasn’t always about honoring all U.S. presidents. The holiday originally celebrated George Washington's birthday, which is February 22. Congress officially declared it a federal holiday in 1879 to honor the first president's legacy.  

2. Lincoln’s Birthday Was Initially Separate  

Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, didn’t initially share the spotlight with George Washington. While many states recognized Lincoln’s birthday as a holiday, it wasn’t until later that the celebrations were merged under the broader banner of Presidents Day.  

3. The Date Was Changed For Convenience  

Presidents Day doesn’t always fall on February 22—or any president’s birthday for that matter. It’s celebrated on the third Monday of February. This shift came as part of the 1971 Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which was aimed at creating more three-day weekends for workers.  

4. Officially, It’s Still "Washington’s Birthday"  

Surprisingly, the U.S. government hasn’t officially named the holiday “Presidents Day.” On the federal level, it’s still legally recognized as Washington’s Birthday, even if most people have adopted the informal "Presidents Day" title.  

5. Retailers Helped Popularize “Presidents Day”

Massive sales and commercial promotions have shaped how most Americans view the holiday today. Retailers ran with the broader Presidents Day theme to appeal to a bigger customer base and extend their marketing campaigns beyond just Washington's legacy.

6. Not All States Call It Presidents Day  

States don’t entirely agree on what the holiday should be called—or even who it honors. Some states stick to "Washington's Birthday," others celebrate "Presidents Day," and a few specifically designate the day to honor Washington and Lincoln. Meanwhile, Alabama uniquely celebrates "George Washington/Thomas Jefferson Birthday" on this day, leaving Lincoln out entirely.  

7. The Presidents Day Blizzard Of 1979  

One of the most memorable Presidents Day events isn’t historical but meteorological. The infamous “Presidents Day Blizzard” of 1979 blanketed the Northeastern U.S. with record-breaking snow and caused widespread disruptions.  

8. George Washington Didn’t Have Wooden Teeth  

While Washington is a central figure of Presidents Day, many myths surround his life. Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t have wooden teeth. His dentures were made of various materials, including human and animal teeth, ivory, and even lead (ouch!).  

9. Calvin Coolidge Is The Only President Born On July 4  

Many people associate Independence Day with fireworks—and now you can associate it with a president, too! The 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, was born on July 4, 1872, making him the only president born on America’s birthday.  

10. Not All Presidents Get A Library  

While many modern presidents have dedicated libraries in their honor, not every commander-in-chief has received this recognition. The tradition began in 1939 with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential library and continues today for most—but not all—modern presidents.  

Why Presidents Day Still Matters  

Despite its commercialization, Presidents Day remains an important reminder to reflect on the leaders who have shaped America’s history. It’s a chance to discuss major accomplishments, learn from past mistakes, and celebrate the diverse contributions of U.S. presidents.