Up until Congress passed the "Monday Holiday Law," making holidays be observed on Mondays despite their "actual" date, Washington's actual birthday, on February 22, was celebrated on it's correct date up until 1968. Did you know that the theory behind the Monday Holiday Law was in hopes that a three day weekend would have economic benefits? How do you feel about celebrating holidays on Mondays? If this was a special day to you, such as your birthday, would you want it celebrated on a different day?
Back to the reason for the holiday. This holiday was designed to celebrate one of the most important figures in American history, George Washington. It has since branched out to include all American Presidents celebrated in one day! After years of celebrations, Washington was also honored through the building of the Washington moment and later with the construction of Mount Rushmore.