Presidents day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekend. Presidents day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present. Following the death of George Washington in 1799, his February 22nd birthday became a life time day of remembrance. the holiday has become an occasion to celebrate the birthdays of both President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln. Thank the past and present presidents for your day off!