President’s Day is a federal holiday celebrated in the United States on the third Monday of February each year. It honors and commemorates the contributions and achievements of past presidents of the United States. Originally established to recognize George Washington’s birthday (February 22), it has since evolved to also celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12), as well as the contributions of all U.S. presidents. Many states also use the occasion to honor other presidents, particularly those who were born in their state. President’s Day is observed as a day off for federal employees, and it’s also widely observed by many businesses and schools across the country.
Determining which United States Presidents accomplished the most is subjective and can vary based on individual perspectives and criteria. However, some presidents are often cited for their significant accomplishments and contributions to the nation. Here are a few presidents who are frequently noted for their achievements.
1. George Washington
As the first President of the United States, Washington established the framework for the presidency and the federal government. He played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War, presided over the Constitutional Convention, and helped shape the early policies and institutions of the United States.
George Washington served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797. During his presidency, he oversaw the implementation of the United States Constitution, the creation of the federal judiciary system, and the establishment of key executive departments such as the Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Department of War, and the Office of the Attorney General.
In 1796, George Washington delivered his Farewell address upon leaving the presidency. In this influential speech, he emphasized the importance of national unity, warned against the dangers of political factions and foreign entanglements, and stressed the principles of republican government and civic virtue. His Farewell Address remains one of the most famous speeches in American history.
2. Abraham Lincoln
As the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln is celebrated for his leadership during the American Civil War, his efforts to preserve the Union, and his role in ending slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation and the passage of the 13th Amendment. He also implemented significant economic and social policies, including the Homestead Act and the establishment of the transcontinental railroad.
Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863 at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In this brief but powerful speech, he reaffirmed the principles of equality and democracy as stated in the Declaration of Independence and emphasized the importance of preserving the Union and honoring the sacrifice of those who fought in the Civil War.
Abraham Lincoln played a crucial role in securing the passage of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution which abolished slavery in the United States. The amendment was passed by Congress on January 21, 1865, and ratified by the states later that year, marking a monumental achievement in the fight for civil rights and equality.
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt (also known as FDR) served as the 32nd President of the United States of America from 1933 until his death in 1945.
Roosevelt led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II, implementing the New Deal programs to address economic hardship and initiating policies that expanded the role of the federal government in providing social welfare and regulating the economy. His leadership during wartime was pivotal in defeating Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.
4. Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson served as the 3rd President of the United States (1801-1809).
Jefferson is primarily remembered for drafting the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. As president, he oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States, and initiated the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the newly acquired territory.
Thomas Jefferson was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s early political institutions and ideology. He contributed to the drafting of the Constitution, served as the nation’s first Secretary of State under President George Washington, and was a leading advocate for individual rights, limited government, and states’ rights.
Jefferson is also known for his advocacy of religious freedom and the separation of Church and State. He authored the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1977, which became a model for similar provisions in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
5. Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt served as the 26th President of the United States (1901-1909) and is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished and influential leaders in American history.
Roosevelt was a champion of progressive reform, advocating for government intervention to address social and economic issues. During his presidency, he pursued a wide range of progressive policies, including trust-busting to break up monopolistic corporations, regulation of big business through the enforcement of antitrust laws, consumer protection measures, and conservation initiatives to protect natural resources and wildlife.
He also expanded the national park system, negotiated the construction of the Panama Canal, and asserted American influence on the world stage through his foreign policy doctrine, known as the “Big Stick” diplomacy.
Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for his role in mediating the end of the Russo-Japanese War, becoming the first American to win the prestigious award.
These presidents are often regarded as accomplished due to their leadership during pivotal moments in American history and their significant contributions to the nation’s development and prosperity.
