(casual inspiring music) - President's Day began as a celebration of George Washington's birthday on 22 February of each year.

Known by Americans as the father of our country, George Washington was the first United States President.

He also commanded the first American Army, known as the Continental Army, leading the American Colonies to victory during the Revolutionary War against the British.

Celebrations for Washington's birthday were unofficial amongst the people.

However, as the country fell into turmoil during the Civil War, the celebrations became more widespread on both sides of the conflict.

President Rutherford B. Hayes made Washington's birthday a Federal Holiday in 1879.

It was not set on its current date until it was selected as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act Congress passed in 1971.

Other holidays included Columbus Day and Memorial Day.

They were set to Mondays instead of a fixed date.

A final date was picked for the third Monday in February for an all-encompassing President's Day.