This holiday began as a celebration for our First President George Washington's birthday born February 22nd 1732.  The day was celebrated before he was even President because of his success as general during our Revolutionary War.  Officially the Federal Holiday is still considered "Washington's Birthday" but advertisers in the 1980s began to designate it "Presidents Day".  This was done to celebrate all Presidents since so many states have different names for the holiday and celebrating different presidents.

The big reason of course is due to our 16th President Abraham Lincoln who was also born in February. In some states Lincolns birthday is celebrated on the 12th, the day he was born no mater what day of the week it falls.  About 12 states or so have changed Washington's Birthday to "Presidents Day" or Washington and Lincoln Day".  In Massachusetts the Day is designated as "Washington's Birthday" but the Governor of that state is required to make a "Presidents Day" proclamation honoring the past Presidents from that state. Now tell me that is not confusing.

The Great State of Virginia where I was born and currently reside in is also the State George Washington was born and here it is legally known as "George Washington Day".