Lincoln’s Birthday in United States ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Lincoln’s Birthday in United States and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Lincoln’s Birthday is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth on February 12, 1809. It is usually observed on the third Monday in February.
Lincoln’s Birthday is not to be confused with Presidents’ Day, a different federal holiday also celebrated in February that honors all past presidents of the United States.
While Lincoln’s Birthday is technically a holiday to celebrate the 16th president’s birth, it has largely become a day to honor all past presidents. Many states have renamed the holiday Presidents’ Day or Washington-Lincoln Day to reflect this.
In some states, like Illinois (Lincoln’s home state), the holiday is still officially called Lincoln’s Birthday. Other states, like New York, have two presidential holidays: one for Washington’s Birthday and one for Lincoln’s Birthday.
Lincoln’s Birthday was first declared a holiday by Congress in 1879, making it the first federal holiday to honor an American president. It was originally celebrated on February 12, Lincoln’s actual birthday.
Over time, the holiday became less about honoring Lincoln specifically and more about honoring all presidents. In 1971, Congress moved the holiday to the third Monday in February in order to create a three-day weekend. This resulted in the holiday being celebrated on different dates in different states.
Despite its name, Lincoln’s Birthday is not widely celebrated across the United States. Many Americans see it as simply another day off from work or school. However, there are still some who choose to celebrate the holiday with special events or by visiting presidential sites like the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.