Originally Presidents Day was created to celebrate George Washington‘s birthday (February 22, 1732). About 77 years later, on February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born. Following Lincoln’s death, states wanted to honor the presidents. Some for Washington; some for Lincoln; some for both. But thanks to the 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Act, the holiday became known as Presidents Day and celebrated on the third Monday in February.
Even with all that history, Monday’s Presidents Day is a bit of a head-scratching holiday. It’s both a federal and City of Dallas holiday. That means everything from U.S. mail operations, banks and the stock market to City of Dallas offices will be closed for the day.
On the other hand, Dallas County offices will be open.
But don’t fret about all the closures. You just know that retailers, restaurants, movie theaters and entertainment centers will be wide open for business.
Since weather predictors are betting that it’s going to be a sunny day with temperatures in the upper 60s, it might be a great time to check out some hometown favorites — area parks, the Dallas Arboretum and Dallas Zoo.
* Photo credit: Skeeter Hagler