George Washington's Birthday is a U.S. federal holiday honoring the first President of the United States. He led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War and served two terms. Learn why we celebrate him and why we sometimes call the holiday Presidents' Day!

Did you know that one of America's biggest holidays celebrates a real-life history superstar?

We’re talking about George Washington! He wasn't just *a* president; he was the very first President of the United States! His birthday is a super important day that reminds us of the American Revolution and the brave leaders who started the USA. Even though his actual birthday was February 22, 1732 (New Style calendar), today we celebrate on the third Monday in February, which is often called Presidents’ Day! Let's jump into his amazing story, perfect for history fans ages 4-12!

Mira

Mira says:

"Wow! Imagine leading an entire army and then becoming the leader of a brand new country! George Washington really knew how to step up when history needed him most. That’s why we celebrate him!"

What is Presidents' Day, Anyway?

The holiday we celebrate in February has a few names! Officially, the federal government still calls it Washington's Birthday, honoring the man who was “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

However, the name Presidents' Day became very popular because the new date lands close to Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12th), and people started honoring both of these great leaders—and sometimes *all* U.S. presidents!

This holiday is a federal one, which means many government offices and schools close so people can remember the important things Washington did for our nation.

Mind-Blowing Fact!

George Washington was actually born on February 11, 1731, on the old Julian calendar! When Great Britain switched to the newer Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthday jumped forward 11 days to February 22, 1732!

Washington By The Numbers: Big Achievements!

George Washington achieved so many incredible things in his life. He was a soldier, a farmer, and the very first leader of the United States!

He led the Continental Army to victory against the British in the American Revolutionary War—that was a HUGE deal for making the USA possible! He also helped write the U.S. Constitution, which is like the rulebook for our country.

1789 Year he became
First U.S. President
2 Number of terms
He served as President
1879 Year it became
Official Federal Holiday
18,000-20,000 Letters he wrote
In his lifetime!

How Did The Date Get Moved?

For many years, everyone celebrated on February 22nd. But in the 1960s, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to give people more three-day weekends.

This law moved a few holidays, including Washington's Birthday, to a specific Monday, which is why it’s now the third Monday in February and *never* falls on the 22nd!

The Changeover Explained

The Old Way: Celebrated exactly on February 22nd, no matter what day of the week it was.

The New Way: Celebrated on the third Monday of February, making it a long weekend.

The Result: Many people started calling it Presidents' Day to include Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is near the new date!

💡 Did You Know?

A cool tradition that started in the U.S. Senate in 1896 is that a Senator reads Washington's Farewell Address aloud every year on his actual birthday, February 22nd!

🎯 Quick Quiz!

What rank was George Washington given in the military in 1976, the highest possible?

A) Supreme Commander of the Forces
B) General of the Army
C) The General of the Armies of the United States
D) President of the Military Council

Why Do We Still Celebrate Washington Today?

We celebrate George Washington because he was a true hero who helped build America from the ground up. He set many important examples for future leaders.

His image is famous! You can see his face on the one-dollar bill and the one-dollar coin, and the nation's capital, Washington D.C., is named after him!

  • He was known as the “Father of Our Country.”
  • He was the only President to be elected unanimously (everyone voted for him!).
  • He refused to become a King, even when he had the power to.
  • He helped create the Purple Heart medal for wounded soldiers, which still bears his image today!

One fun, though legendary, connection to the holiday is the story of the cherry tree—and how young George supposedly chopped it down and bravely admitted, “I cannot tell a lie!” While that story might not be totally true, it shows how much people admired his honesty for centuries!

Questions Kids Ask About Holidays

What is the difference between Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day?
Officially, the federal holiday is named Washington's Birthday to honor the first U.S. President. Presidents' Day became the popular name because the holiday date is close to Abraham Lincoln's birthday and often honors all presidents.
When was George Washington actually born?
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, on the modern calendar (New Style). On the older calendar used at the time, his birth date was February 11, 1731!
When do we celebrate George Washington's Birthday now?
We celebrate Washington’s Birthday on the third Monday in February as a federal holiday, thanks to a law passed in 1968. This means the celebration changes date each year, falling between February 15th and 21st.
What famous building is named after George Washington?
The capital city of the United States, Washington D.C., was named in his honor during his presidency. Additionally, the state of Washington is also named after him!

Keep Exploring American Heroes!

Now you know the awesome history behind this February holiday! George Washington laid the groundwork for the whole country. Next time you see that dollar bill, remember the brave general and president who helped make history not boring at all!