Congress Established Lincoln's Birthday As A Legal Holiday

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 –

Lincoln’s Birthday-considered a holiday in some states including Illinois. The Courts in Woodstock are closed. However, County Board committee meetings are being held. Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809.

A Buffalo druggist made it is life mission to honor the slain president and repeatedly petitioned Congress to establish Lincoln’s birthday as a legal holiday.

The day is marked by traditional wreath-laying ceremonies at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site, Hodgenville, Kentucky and at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.

Since that event in 1922, observances continue to be organized by the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee. Observances are also organized by the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS). A wreath is laid on behalf of the President of the United States, a custom also carried out at the grave sites of all US presidents on their birthdays. Lincoln’s tomb is in Springfield, IL.