Presidents’ Day, observed on the third Monday in February, is a U.S. holiday typically honoring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The holiday originated in the 1880s when Washington’s birthday became a federal holiday.

In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, moving several holidays to Mondays for extended weekends. During debates, there was a proposal to rename Washington’s Birthday to Presidents’ Day to also honor Lincoln. Though the name change was rejected, Presidents’ Day became widely used after the bill took effect in 1971, partly due to retailers promoting sales.

The holiday is marked by public ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and across the country.