For Americans with conventional work schedules, Monday holidays are often a blessing. However, despite the extra weekend day, these observances can also sneak up on you and be confusing.
Today (Monday, February 16) is Presidents’ Day, which is officially known as Washington’s Birthday. In this story, we’ll break down what exactly is open and closed on the day that we celebrate all the commanders in chief. Before we get into all that, let’s look at the history of the day and how it came to be.
What does George Washington have to do with it?
George Washington, the first president of the United States, has everything to do with Presidents’ Day. The holiday evolved out of a remembrance of the man who helped defeat the British and usher the country into a new era as an independent nation.
Washington served as head of state from 1789 to 1797 and died in 1799. The following year many began celebrating his legacy on his birthday, February 22.
It wasn’t until 1879 that his birthday became a federal holiday, when President Rutherford B. Hayes signed it into law. At first this new edict only included Washington, D.C., but in 1885 the whole country got in on the act.
What about Abraham Lincoln?
The 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, is also associated with Presidents’ Day because of his February 12 birthday. Some states such as Illinois recognized it as day of observance even though it was never an official federal holiday.
Lincoln’s leadership through the Civil War cemented his legacy as a major political figure.
What is the Uniform Monday Holiday Act?
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act was signed into law on June 28, 1968, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It did not take effect until January 1, 1971. This new law essentially created the modern three-day weekend.
Before it was the law of the land, Representative Robert McClory of Illinois tried to attach a provision to the act that would have combined both Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays into one observance. The Virginians in Congress disagreed, and the provision was dropped.
Officially, on the federal level, the holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February is George Washington’s birthday. But over time, advertisers and many on the state level began calling the holiday Presidents’ Day.
Now that you know who and why we celebrate, let’s get into what this means on the day itself.
Are stock markets open on Presidents’ Day?
No. Because it is a federal holiday, most markets are closed. This includes the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq exchange. This also applies to most U.S. bond markets. The only exception is cryptocurrency markets.
Will mail be delivered on Presidents’ Day?
Post offices will be closed and no mail will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on Presidents’ Day. UPS will conduct business as usual. FedEx will also operate but some early on-call or drop box pickups may be modified or unavailable.
Are banks open on Presidents’ Day?
No. Banks will be closed on Presidents’ Day. This includes major chain banks such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. The good news is online banking and ATMs outside of branch locations are available.
Are schools open on Presidents’ Day?
No. Most public schools will be closed. Some may even take Lincoln’s birthday off in addition.
Are restaurants and fast-food chains open on Presidents’ Day?
Yes. Most restaurants and fast-food joints want your business and hope you dine out. Your local McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Popeyes, or Wendy’s should be open for business.
Are grocery stores open on Presidents’ Day?
Yes. Most grocery stores are open on Presidents’ Day. Some may have modified hours so it is always a good idea to check ahead. Aldi and Costco are typically open, but hours vary by location.
Are stores open on Presidents’ Day?
Yes. Most stores are open on Presidents’ Day. Many will also have sales to attract business on the three-day weekend. This includes big-box retailers such as Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and others. Presidents’ Day is typically a big day for mattress and furniture sellers like Mattress Firm and Raymour & Flanigan.
Are pharmacies open on Presidents’ Day?
Yes. Most pharmacies are open on Presidents’ Day, including chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, but it is always good practice to double-check with your preferred location to prevent a wasted trip.