George Washington's Birthday: February 22, 1732
From the National Archives, George Washington's Birthday:
“Washington's Birthday was celebrated on February 22nd until well into the 20th century. However, in 1968 Congress passed the Monday Holiday Law to 'provide uniform annual observances of certain legal public holidays on Mondays.' By creating more 3-day weekends, Congress hoped to 'bring substantial benefits to both the spiritual and economic life of the Nation.'
“One of the provisions of this act changed the observance of Washington's Birthday from February 22nd to the third Monday in February. Ironically, this guaranteed that the holiday would never be celebrated on Washington's actual birthday, as the third Monday in February cannot fall any later than February 21.
“Contrary to popular belief, neither Congress nor the President has ever stipulated that the name of the holiday observed as Washington's Birthday be changed to ‘President's Day.’”
Source: U.S. Census Bureau MAF/TIGER Database (TAB20), geographic vintage: 2020 Census
Note: One state, not included in the places counts below matches President Washington — that being Washington state. The U.S. Census Bureau glossary includes a definition for Minor Civil Divisions (MCD).
Sources: Census.gov > History > Through the Decades > Fast Facts and The Library of Congress, U.S. Presidential Inaugurations: A Resource Guide
From Census.gov > History:
