Originally established in 1879 to commemorate the birth of George Washington on 22nd February, 1732, what is now popularly known as Presidents' Day was designated as the third Monday of the month in 1971, when the Uniform Monday Holiday Act came into effect.
The standardization of federal holiday observance allowed workers to enjoy three day weekends, which discouraged absenteeism and boosted retail sales.
With Abraham Lincoln's birthday falling on the 12th February, the relocated holiday date offered an opportunity to honour both US presidents, a suggestion not readily accepted but soon jumped upon.
The renaming of Washington's Birthday to President's Day has taken place unofficially and gradually, while celebrations are variously staged for both men, along with other American luminaries. Arkansas today marks the life and achievements of Daisy Bates - take a look over gettyarchive for more on the civil rights activist.
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