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The third Monday in February is set aside for Presidents' Day in the United States, which is actually referred to as Washington's Birthday on the federal calendar. Washington's Birthday had always been celebrated on February 22, but with the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, the holiday was moved. In fact, Washington's birthday has not been celebrated on the actual day of his birth since the law first took effect in 1971.
This is only one of the many "firsts" and presidential superlatives that have taken place throughout history. Let's look at some other notable ones.
Oldest president
President Joseph Biden was 82 when his presidency ended on January 20, 2025. He was the oldest president in U.S. history. His successor, President Donald Trump, was 78 at the time of his inauguration in 2025, making him the second-oldest U.S. president. By the end of his second term, President Trump will become the oldest-ever U.S. president at 82 years and seven months.
First president
It is well known that George Washington was the nation's first president. Washington also was the first president to be a military veteran. Among President Washington's other "firsts," he was the first Episcopalian president and the first to appear on a postage stamp.
Youngest president
President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded to the office of U.S. President after the assassination of William McKinley at age 42, making him the youngest U.S. president. Article Two of the United States Constitution provides that U.S. presidents must be at least 35 years of age at the time they take office, so it remains to be seen if President Roosevelt's status of youngest president will endure into the future.
Shortest lifespan
When President John F. Kennedy was assassinated at age 46, he became the president with the shortest lifespan. President James Garfield, who died at age 49 two months after being shot, has the second shortest lifespan of any U.S. president.
First president to have served as a governor
President Thomas Jefferson was the first U.S. president to have previously been a governor. He served as the second governor of Virginia after the U.S. won its independence from England. President Jefferson also was the first U.S. president to be inaugurated in Washington, D.C.
Longest-serving president
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt served as the 32nd president of the U.S. from 1933 to 1945, becoming the longest-serving U.S. president. FDR is the only president to have served more than two terms, which is now no longer possible.
Interesting presidential pets
While dogs and horses are some of the most common pets to be found in and around the White House, President William Howard Taft had a Holstein cow named Pauline Wayne, "Queen of the Capital Cows." President Jefferson kept a magpie, and First Lady Grace Coolidge kept Rebecca, a pet raccoon.
White House wedding
President James Monroe was the first U.S. president to have a child get married at the White House. His daughter, Maria Hester Monroe, married Samuel Lawrence Gouverneur on March 9, 1820. The first presidential son to exchange vows in the White House was John Adams II, former President John Quincy Adams' son.
First Black president
When President Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, he became the first Black person to hold the office of the president.
There have been many presidential firsts throughout the years. This interesting trivia can be the basis of President's Day celebrations.