Abraham Lincoln vs. George Washington: Understanding Presidents’ Day

You know what used to confuse me as a kid? Presidents’ Day.

I’d see mattress sales. I’d get a day off school. But I never quite understood: Are we celebrating Lincoln? Washington? Both?

After spending three decades researching American folklore and visiting presidential landmarks across this beautiful country, I finally have answers. And trust me—the story is way more interesting than any textbook told you.

Let me break it all down.

What Is Presidents’ Day and When Is It Celebrated?

Here’s the short answer: Presidents’ Day falls on the third Monday of February every year.

In 2026, that’s February 16th.

But here’s where it gets interesting. The holiday was never officially renamed to “Presidents’ Day” at the federal level. Technically? It’s still called Washington’s Birthday on the books.

Wild, right?

The confusion started in 1971 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. They moved Washington’s Birthday celebration from February 22nd to the third Monday of February. The goal was simple: give Americans more three-day weekends.

Smart move, Congress. I’m not complaining.

The History of Presidents’ Day: From One President to Many

How Did Presidents’ Day Originally Start?

Washington’s Birthday became a federal holiday way back in 1879. He was the only president honored with a national holiday for nearly a century.

Then retailers got creative.

Since Lincoln’s birthday (February 12th) fell close to Washington’s (February 22nd), stores started marketing “Presidents’ Day” sales to honor both men. The name stuck in popular culture—even though the federal government never officially adopted it.

Why Do We Celebrate Lincoln and Washington Together?

Simple: timing and legacy.

Both birthdays land in February. Both men are considered among America’s greatest leaders. It made natural sense for Americans to honor them together.

Some states actually list the holiday as “Washington and Lincoln Day.” Others just call it “Presidents’ Day” and leave it vague enough to honor all commanders-in-chief.

Here’s how different states handle it:

I told you it was complicated.

George Washington: The Father of Our Country

Who Was George Washington and Why Is He Important?

Let me paint you a picture.

It’s 1789. The brand-new United States needs a leader. There’s really only one choice: George Washington.

He’d already led the Continental Army to victory. He’d presided over the Constitutional Convention. The man practically invented what it meant to be an American leader.

Here’s what makes Washington legendary:

• First President of the United States (1789-1797)
• Commander-in-Chief during the Revolutionary War
• Voluntarily stepped down after two terms (setting a precedent that lasted until FDR)
• Never sought power—power sought him

That last point matters. Washington could have been king. People offered. He said no.

That’s character.

Where Was George Washington Born and Raised?

Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on February 22, 1732. He grew up along the Potomac River, learning surveying, farming, and military tactics.

If you’re planning a Presidents’ Day road trip, I highly recommend visiting:

1. Mount Vernon, Virginia – Washington’s beloved plantation home
2. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania – Where his army endured that brutal winter
3. Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania – Site of the famous Delaware River crossing

I’ve visited Mount Vernon three times now. Each visit reveals something new about the man behind the myth.

Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator

Who Was Abraham Lincoln and What Did He Accomplish?

Okay. I’ll admit it.

Lincoln is my personal favorite president. Not because of politics—because of story.

Here’s a man born in a one-room Kentucky log cabin who taught himself law by candlelight. He failed in business. Lost multiple elections. Battled depression his entire life.

And then he saved the Union and freed four million enslaved people.

If that’s not an American story, I don’t know what is.

Lincoln’s major accomplishments include:

• Preserved the Union during the Civil War
• Issued the Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
• Delivered the Gettysburg Address—272 words that changed everything
• Passed the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery forever
• First Republican president elected to office

Where Was Abraham Lincoln Born?

Lincoln entered this world on February 12, 1809 in a tiny cabin near Hodgenville, Kentucky.

My favorite Lincoln sites to visit:

1. Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C. – Stunning at sunrise (trust me)
2. Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Kentucky – See a replica of that famous cabin
3. Ford’s Theatre, Washington D.C. – Where tragedy struck
4. Springfield, Illinois – Lincoln’s hometown and final resting place

Standing inside the Lincoln Memorial at dawn, with hardly anyone around, remains one of my most profound travel experiences. The silence hits different there.

Lincoln vs. Washington: A Side-by-Side Comparison

So how do these two legendary leaders actually stack up? Let me break it down:

Here’s what strikes me most: both were largely self-educated. Both faced impossible odds. Both chose country over personal comfort.

That’s the thread connecting them across 77 years of history.

How Do Americans Celebrate Presidents’ Day?

Traditional Presidents’ Day Activities

Let’s be real: most Americans celebrate with a long weekend and maybe some shopping.

But there are more meaningful ways to honor the day:

Educational Activities:

• Visit a presidential library or museum
• Watch a documentary about Washington or Lincoln
• Read a biography (I recommend Ron Chernow’s Washington and Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals)
• Take kids to a living history event

Patriotic Traditions:

• Attend a flag ceremony
• Visit a national monument
• Volunteer for a civic organization
• Learn about lesser-known presidents

Family Fun:

• Bake a cherry pie (yes, the Washington myth lives on!)
• Have a presidential trivia night
• Visit historic sites in your state
• Create a family “presidents” bracket tournament

Best Presidents’ Day Sales and Deals

I won’t pretend this isn’t part of the holiday now. It absolutely is.

Historically, these categories see the biggest discounts:

• Mattresses (up to 50% off at major retailers)
• Appliances (Presidents’ Day weekend is huge for this)
• Cars (dealerships love the long weekend)
• Winter clothing clearance
• Electronics

My advice? If you need a big-ticket item, Presidents’ Day weekend genuinely offers solid deals. Just don’t let shopping replace learning about the holiday’s meaning.

Why Presidents’ Day Matters in American Culture

Here’s what I’ve learned after 30 years studying American holidays:

We need heroes.

Not perfect heroes. Washington owned enslaved people—a moral failing we must acknowledge. Lincoln held views on race that evolved throughout his life but still reflected his era’s limitations.

But both men rose to impossible moments. Both sacrificed personal comfort for public good. Both helped shape what “American” even means.

Presidents’ Day reminds us that leadership matters. That ordinary people can do extraordinary things. That the American experiment requires constant tending.

That’s worth celebrating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Presidents’ Day

Is Presidents’ Day a Federal Holiday?

Yes! It’s one of eleven federal holidays. Banks close. Mail doesn’t run. Federal employees get the day off.

Do All Presidents Get Honored on Presidents’ Day?

Unofficially, yes. Officially, the holiday still honors Washington specifically. But most Americans now view it as honoring all 46 presidents.

Why Is Presidents’ Day in February?

Because both Washington (February 22) and Lincoln (February 12) were born in February. The third Monday placement ensures it always falls between their birthdays.

What’s Open on Presidents’ Day?

Most retail stores stay open—many with sales! Museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues typically operate. Government offices, banks, and schools usually close.

How Do Schools Teach About Presidents’ Day?

Many schools hold special assemblies, craft projects, or history lessons about Washington and Lincoln in the days leading up to the holiday. It’s a great teaching moment about American leadership.

Final Thoughts: Honoring the Office and the Men

I’ve stood at Washington’s tomb at Mount Vernon. I’ve touched the walls inside Lincoln’s memorial. Both experiences moved me deeply.

These weren’t perfect men. No president is. No person is.

But they answered when their country called. They led through impossible circumstances. They helped build something worth preserving.

This Presidents’ Day, I hope you’ll take a moment—between the sales and the sleeping in—to reflect on what leadership means. What sacrifice means. What America means.

And maybe plan a road trip to Mount Vernon or Springfield.

Trust me. It’s worth the drive.

Happy Presidents’ Day, friends. See you on the road.