Washington’s birthday renamed ‘Presidents Day’ in 1885

This circa 1876 Simon’s Centennial Bitters bottle represents George Washington when he was commander in chief of the Continental Army, 100 years before. The red amber shaded to yellow amber bottle is 10 inches high and auctioned for $2,640.
This circa 1876 Simon’s Centennial Bitters bottle represents George Washington when he was commander in chief of the Continental Army, 100 years before. The red amber shaded to yellow amber bottle is 10 inches high and auctioned for $2,640.

George Washington has had at least three official birthdays. He was born Feb. 11, 1731. But that was according to the Julian calendar used at the time. When the Gregorian calendar was adopted, his birthday was recorded as Feb. 22, 1732. (Read about how the calendar was changed if you’ve never learned this.)

President Chester Arthur renamed Washington’s official birthday Presidents Day in 1885. Then…