Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln

Lincoln and Washington reign as perhaps the two most recognized presidents in American history, sharing a national birthday celebration on Presidents Day. We all feel so familiar with their images and accomplishments, we feel we know our first and 16th presidents well.

But did you know:

Mr. Lincoln's birthday actually is today, Feb. 12. Mr. Washington's is Feb. 22.

Washington is the one sharing with all of America's presidents. Originally established in 1885, it is still officially called "Washington's Birthday" by the federal government.

Presidents Day never falls on a president's birthday (so far). Celebrated the third Monday in February since federal holidays were moved in 1971 to create three-day weekends, it's too early or too late for the February birthdays of Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Harrison (Feb. 9), and Reagan (Feb. 6).

While Jefferson's birthday is in April, the State of Alabama celebrates his birthday on Presidents Day, along with Washington's.

A few fun facts about George Washington: He grew up on a wealthy tobacco plantation in Virginia. His father died when he was 11; he left school at 15 to work as a surveyor before joining the military. Washington helped plan the city named after him, but never lived there.

He was huge for the 1700s, at 6 feet 2 inches and 200 pounds. He loved cream of peanut soup and mashed sweet potatoes with coconut - both easy to eat after he had all his aching teeth pulled at age 57.

Lincoln was born in opposite circumstances, in a one-room log cabin to a very poor Kentucky family. He too lost a parent early; his mother died when he was 9. He was 6 feet 5 inches but thin, bookish, and scholarly (mostly self-educated). He served very briefly in the military, was postmaster of New Salem, Ill., and practiced law. Three of his four children died before reaching adulthood. He suffered from migraines and depression, and he never hunted or fished, saying he hated taking life, even for food.

Sholeh Patrick, J. D. is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.