For many Americans, the third Monday in February signifies two things: a much-needed three-day weekend and aggressive advertisements for mattress sales. It marks the first major break after the New Year, offering a respite from the winter gloom. However, the history behind this federal holiday is far more complex—and interesting—than retail discounts suggest.

The Holiday Has An Identity Crisis

If you look at an official government calendar, you won't find "Presidents' Day" listed anywhere. That is because, according to the federal government, the holiday does not exist. The official name of the holiday is still "Washington's Birthday."

Congress established the holiday in 1879 strictly to honor George Washington. While there have been attempts to officially rename it—most notably in the late 1960s to honor both Washington and Lincoln—the legislation stalled. While states and advertisers have widely adopted the moniker "Presidents' Day," the federal government has stubbornly stuck to the original title.

Lincoln Is An Unofficial Guest Of Honor

Abraham Lincoln is still considered one of the greatest US presidents, yet he does not have a federal holiday of his own. His birthday is February 12, which is close enough to Washington's that many states decided to combine the celebrations.

While the federal government recognizes only Washington, state governments vary wildly in how they observe the day. Some states, like Illinois, observe Lincoln's birthday as a separate state holiday. Others, like Virginia, explicitly call the third Monday "George Washington’s Day." Alabama uses the day to celebrate Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The lack of uniformity across the country is why "Presidents' Day" became the popular, colloquial term—it was simply easier than listing everyone.

Three Presidents Died On July 4th

While we celebrate their lives in February, the deaths of the Founding Fathers have a strange connection to Independence Day. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two bitter political rivals who eventually reconciled, both died on July 4, 1826—exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Five years later, James Monroe, the fifth president, also passed away on July 4. This uncanny coincidence was viewed by many 19th-century Americans as a sign of divine providence regarding the nation's founding.

Teddy Roosevelt’s Iron Will

When discussing the toughness of American presidents, Theodore Roosevelt is often at the top of the list. In 1912, while campaigning for a third term (on the Bull Moose ticket), Roosevelt was shot in the chest in Milwaukee.

Fortunately, the bullet passed through his steel eyeglass case and a thick 50-page copy of his speech before lodging in his chest. Rather than rushing to the hospital, Roosevelt determined that since he wasn't coughing up blood, the bullet hadn't pierced his lung. He proceeded to deliver his scheduled speech, speaking for 90 minutes with a bullet in his chest and blood soaking his shirt.

Andrew Jackson’s Profane Parrot

Presidents often bring pets to the White House, but few were as memorable as Poll, Andrew Jackson’s pet parrot. Jackson was known for his volatile temper and rough language, traits that his parrot apparently picked up.

According to historical accounts, the parrot had to be removed from Jackson’s funeral because it wouldn't stop screaming profanities. It seems the bird wanted to pay tribute to the former president in the only way it knew how.

The "S" In Harry S. Truman

You will often see Harry S. Truman’s name written with a period after the "S," implying it stands for a middle name. However, the "S" doesn't actually stand for anything.

Truman’s parents chose the initial to honor both of his grandfathers, Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young. They couldn't decide which name to use, so they compromised with the letter "S" to represent both. Truman himself often signed his name without the period, though style guides today generally include it.

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