As the calendar turns to February, Americans gear up to celebrate one of the nation’s most significant holidays: Presidents' Day. Originally established to honor the birth of George Washington, the first President of the United States, this holiday has evolved into a broader celebration of presidential leadership and the legacy of all who have held the nation's highest office.

Presidents' Day is more than just a day off from work or school; it's a moment for reflection on the monumental impacts that presidential decisions have had on the course of American history. From Washington’s establishment of a fledgling democracy to modern presidents navigating through complex global challenges, this day offers a unique opportunity for families across the United States to engage in a dialogue about leadership, governance, and the principles that have shaped the American way of life.

Intrigued by how Americans choose to commemorate this pivotal holiday, we conducted a survey of 3,000 people. Our goal was to uncover the most popular historic sites that people visit on Presidents' Day, seeking to understand how these locations contribute to our collective memory and appreciation of presidential history.

From the hallowed grounds of Mount Vernon, George Washington's iconic estate, to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., a symbol of unity and reconciliation, the results paint a vivid picture of a nation deeply engaged with its historical roots.

These sites are not just tourist destinations; they are living monuments that tell the stories of the men who have shaped the United States from its infancy. They serve as educational platforms, offering immersive experiences that bring to life the challenges and triumphs of presidential leadership.

The Top Ten Monuments Across America For Presidents’ Day 2024:

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

In the top spot is the Grand Canyon. It is not just a breathtaking natural wonder, but also a place where families can appreciate the beauty of America's landscapes, nurtured and preserved partly due to presidential environmental policies. Its vastness and historical significance make it a poignant place for discussing the importance of conservation efforts initiated by leaders like President Theodore Roosevelt, who played a key role in the establishment of national parks.

2. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Florida

The Kennedy Space Center in second place is a perfect destination for families interested in science and space exploration. It's a tribute to President Kennedy's ambitious vision for space exploration, notably the Apollo moon landing mission. The center's interactive exhibits and educational tours can inspire young minds about the future while honoring past presidential initiatives in space.

3. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Kentucky

Visiting the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln allows families to delve into the early life of one of America's most revered presidents. It's a place where one can reflect on Lincoln's journey from a humble log cabin to the White House, and discuss his significant contributions to American history, such as the Emancipation Proclamation.

4. USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

This memorial is a solemn place for families to honor those who perished in Pearl Harbor. It provides context to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's challenging leadership during World War II. The site's historical significance helps in understanding the decisions made by presidents during times of crisis.

5. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Massachusetts

This library and museum in fifth place is an excellent educational resource for families. It not only explores Kennedy's presidency but also his influence on American culture and politics. The exhibits offer insights into the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Space Race, and his vision for a new America, making it a compelling visit for those interested in modern American history.

6. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, New York

As the first presidential library, it's a treasure trove of information about FDR's era. Families can learn about the New Deal, Roosevelt's response to the Great Depression, and his leadership during World War II. The library is an opportunity to understand how presidential decisions can shape the nation in times of hardship.

7. Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland

This site is significant as it commemorates the Battle of Antietam and Lincoln's historic visit. It's an important destination for families to discuss the Civil War's impact and Lincoln's role in shaping the nation's history, particularly his decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation after this battle.

8. The Hermitage, Tennessee

Andrew Jackson's home offers a complex view of American history. It provides a chance to discuss Jackson's presidency and policies, as well as the controversial aspects of his tenure, including his policies towards Native Americans. The plantation setting also sparks conversations about the antebellum South and the president's role in that era.

9. Theodore Roosevelt's Birthplace National Historic Site, New York

This reconstructed site offers families a glimpse into the early life of a president known for his larger-than-life persona and progressive policies. It’s a place to discuss Roosevelt's role in shaping the early 20th century U.S. policies, including his contributions to environmental conservation and the Progressive Movement.

10. Mount Vernon, Virginia

And rounding up the top ten is Mount Vernon. George Washington's home is not just a historical site but a venue to discuss the foundations of the United States. Families visiting Mount Vernon can explore the life and leadership of the first president, his role in the Revolutionary War, and his influence in shaping the new nation's government and policies.

Ranking	Monuments	State
11	First White House of the Confederacy	Alabama
12	George W. Bush Presidential Center	Texas
13	Theodore Roosevelt National Park	North Dakota
14	Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum	Illinois
15	Gettysburg National Military Park	Pennsylvania
16	Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum	California
17	Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site	Georgia
18	George Bush Presidential Library and Museum	Texas
19	Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum	Georgia
20	Mount Rushmore National Memorial	South Dakota
21	Grand Teton National Park	Wyoming
22	Golden Spike National Historical Park	Utah
23	The Mary Todd Lincoln House	Kentucky
24	Roosevelt Campobello International Park	Maine
25	Roosevelt National Forest	Colorado
26	Montezuma Castle National Monument	Arizona
27	Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum	Texas
28	Harry S. Truman Little White House	Florida
29	The Mark Twain House & Museum	Connecticut
30	William Howard Taft National Historic Site	Ohio
31	Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum	Michigan
32	Fort Sumter National Monument	South Carolina
33	Independence National Historical Park	Pennsylvania
34	Lincoln Home National Historic Site	Illinois
35	Monticello	Virginia
36	Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum	California
37	Homestead National Historical Park	Nebraska
38	James A. Garfield National Historic Site	Ohio
39	Harpers Ferry National Historical Park	West Virginia
40	Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum	Vermont
41	Andrew Johnson National Historic Site	Tennessee
42	Ulysses S. Grant Birthplace	Ohio
43	First State National Historical Park	Delaware
44	Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum	Missouri
45	Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum	Iowa
46	Grover Cleveland Birthplace	New Jersey
47	Montpelier	Virginia
48	Weir Farm National Historic Site	Connecticut
49	Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site	Indiana
50	Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial	Indiana

To coincide with our survey, we put together some interesting facts for Presidents’ Day

George Washington's Teeth: Contrary to popular belief, George Washington's false teeth were not made of wood. They were made from a variety of materials, including human teeth, animal teeth, ivory, and metal.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson's Friendship and Death: Adams and Jefferson, once political rivals, later became close friends. They both died on the same day, July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

James Madison's Stature: Madison was the shortest president, standing at just 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing less than 100 pounds.

Abraham Lincoln's Wrestling Career: Before becoming president, Lincoln was an accomplished wrestler. He is enshrined in the Wrestling Hall of Fame, having lost only one match out of approximately 300.

Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders: Roosevelt was the only U.S. president to receive the Medal of Honor, which he was awarded posthumously for his charge up San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Four Terms: FDR is the only U.S. president to have served more than two terms, elected to four consecutive terms starting in 1932. After his presidency, the 22nd Amendment was passed, limiting presidents to two terms.

John F. Kennedy's Pulitzer Prize: JFK is the only president to have won a Pulitzer Prize, which he received for his book "Profiles in Courage" in 1957.

Ronald Reagan's Acting Career: Before entering politics, Reagan was a Hollywood actor and president of the Screen Actors Guild.

Barack Obama's Grammy Awards: Obama won two Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word Album, one for his audiobook "Dreams from My Father" and another for "The Audacity of Hope".

Presidents' Day Origins: Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents' Day after it was moved as part of the 1971 Uniform Monday Holiday Act. It's now viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present.

In conclusion, spending President's Day together as a family and exploring America's iconic historic sites is not only a delightful way to bond, but it also serves as an invaluable educational experience. This tradition allows families to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of American history, bringing to life the stories and struggles of those who shaped the nation. Visiting landmarks such as Mount Rushmore, the Liberty Bell, or the Lincoln Memorial offers a tangible connection to the past, making history more relatable and engaging, especially for younger generations. Such excursions foster a sense of national pride and civic responsibility, reminding us of the ideals and sacrifices that form the foundation of American society. Additionally, these shared experiences create lasting memories, strengthening family bonds through shared learning and discovery. In a world where the pace of life is ever-increasing, taking time to celebrate President's Day together in this manner is a heartwarming reminder of the enduring values and shared history that unite us as a nation.

Methodology

Online panel survey of 3,000 adults based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. February 2024.

Image Credits

Grand Canyon National Park: By Murray Foubister - https://www.flickr.com/photos/mfoubister/8645178272/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51850121

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: By Gzzz - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51100415

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park: By Jamie from Toronto, ON - Abraham Lincoln Birthplace (2) - The Stairs, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5752869

USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor: By DoD photo by: PH3(AW/SW) JAYME PASTORIC, USN - This image was released by the United States Navy with the ID 020523-N-9769P-057.JPG (next).This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing.العربية ∙ বাংলা ∙ Deutsch ∙ Deutsch (Sie-Form) ∙ English ∙ español ∙ euskara ∙ فارسی ∙ français ∙ italiano ∙ 日本語 ∙ 한국어 ∙ македонски ∙ മലയാളം ∙ Plattdüütsch ∙ Nederlands ∙ polski ∙ پښتو ∙ português ∙ русский ∙ slovenščina ∙ svenska ∙ Türkçe ∙ українська ∙ 简体中文 ∙ 繁體中文 ∙ +/−, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2633538

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum: By Fcb981, this edit (cropped to pano, corrected distortion) by mixpix 18:33, 28 December 2007 (UTC) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3291873

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum: By Alexisrael - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31353991

Antietam National Battlefield: By Sswonk - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4953782

The Hermitage: By Jim Bowen from Zhenhai, China - Andrew Jackson's Home, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12652919

Theodore Roosevelt's Birthplace National Historic Site: By Beyond My Ken - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11137218

Mount Vernon: By Otherspice - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89353591