What better time to visit DC and pay tribute to America’s most famous leaders than Presidents’ Day? The national holiday was originally a commemoration of George Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1732. After his death, the nation began celebrating his birthday as a way to remember his life and how he contributed to establishing America’s independence from England.

The year after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, 1865, America also began celebrating his birthday on February 12th. Both February 12th and the 22nd were observed as federal holidays up until 1971, when President Richard Nixon combined the two and changed the focus to honoring all past presidents on the third Monday of February. Check out these events happening in DC in honor of Presidents’ Day this year:

Lincoln Memorial: Celebrate Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th at noon at the Lincoln Memorial. There will be a wreath laying ceremony and a dramatic reading of Lincoln’s famous “Gettysburg Address.”

George Washington Birthday Parade – This is the country’s largest President’s Parade. It takes place in Old Town Alexandria, through the streets where Washington once walked and features bands, floats, wagons, horses, historic reenactments, and special performances. The parade starts at the intersection of King and S. Royal streets at 1pm.

Free in Alexandria - While you are in the Alexandria neighborhood, you can also check out these sites with free admission that day: The Lyceum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Friendship Firehouse Museum, Carlyle House, Stabler-Leadbeather Apothecary Museum, Lee-Fendall House Museum, and Historic Christ Church.

White House Visitor Center – From 11am-2pm on February 20th, the White House Visitor Center will have special programs going on. Call (202) 208-1631 for more information.

Mount Vernon – You can celebrate all weekend long at Mt. Vernon from the 18th-20th. There will be special events taking place all three days on the 500-acre estate. Free admission will also be offered on February 20th.

Madame Tussauds US Presidents Gallery – Come face-to-face with all 44 U.S. Presidents and learn more about their lives by touching, seeing, and even hearing them for yourself.

Feel free to leave a comment below with your favorite Presidents’ Day event near Rhode Island Row!

Image: DC About, DC Presidents Gallery