The Ghosts of American Holidays: Federal Celebrations That No Longer Exist

You’d probably be surprised to learn there was once a federal holiday in the U.S. that eclipsed Christmas in popularity. This holiday, held on January 8th, celebrated the U.S. victory in the Battle of New Orleans, but today it’s virtually unheard of. There are 11 federal holidays nowadays, but that isn’t how it’s always been. In fact, the U.S. has a pretty cool history of federal celebrations that has evolved significantly over the years. Some holidays are no longer observed, while others have been given new names, moved to different dates, or have simply fallen out of favor. 

The Eighth 

As mentioned above, the 8th of January was observed widely and treated with near-holiday status in many areas that honored the U.S. victory in the Battle of New Orleans on January 8th, 1815. Between the years of 1828 and 1861, it was celebrated across the country with much fanfare. But, in time, it lessened in importance, mainly due to being overshadowed by the Civil War, which was considered far more relevant to America’s history. And soon enough, it faded from people’s minds altogether. 

Armistice Day

Armistice Day on November 11th was made an official federal holiday in 1938 to celebrate the end of World War One. But, this holiday is no longer observed in its original form. The holiday was changed after WWII and the Korean War to honor all veterans in 1954, Congress turned Armistice Day into Veterans Day, which honors veterans who served in all past wars. This makes sense as the U.S. is now home to over 16 million veterans who fought in conflicts post-WW1. America’s veterans have given a lot to protect their country, and it’s only right they’re well cared for. Therefore, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dedicates over 93% of its annual budget to veterans’ education, pensions, compensation, and healthcare. To this end, the VA spent $20 billion on contract procurement in 2023 to help deliver these essential services and give our veterans the support they deserve. 

Lincoln’s Birthday

The birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States, was once a paid holiday in ten states every year on February 12th. While it’s not a federal holiday, several states (including Illinois, New York, Missouri, and California) have celebrated it at various times. However, most states have now replaced this celebration with Presidents Day, which is instead held on the third Monday in February (aka Washington's official birthday). Today, only a few states still celebrate the former president with a Lincoln’s Birthday holiday. This includes Illinois, which is Lincoln’s home state.  

Victory over Japan Day 

Reword to: "V-J Day was widely celebrated across the U.S. from the late 1940s into the 1970s, and it was a state holiday in places like Rhode Island, where it’s still observed today." Victory over Japan Day (also known as V-J Day) marks the official end of World War II, after Japan’s formal surrender in 1945. The dates celebrated vary: August 14/15 (initial announcement) and September 2 (formal surrender document signing). This day was made a U.S. federal holiday on September 2nd from 1948 to 1975, but was eventually dropped from the calendar. 

This was mainly because the country had since developed a positive relationship with Japan, and the holiday tone didn’t fit with that. Fascinatingly, however, Rhode Island still celebrates V-J Day today as “Victory Day”, and it’s the only state to do so. Around one in 10 Rhode Island locals played a part in the war effort during WW2, and, as a result, veterans and traditionalists in the area have fought to keep the holiday alive.  

Columbus Day

Columbus Day, the second Monday in October, isn’t the widespread federal holiday it once was. Only 16 states (along with the territory of American Samoa) still honor the holiday in line with its original meaning — that is, a celebration of the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas. However, as awareness continues to spread of the atrocities experienced by Native Americans during this time, the holiday has now been replaced by Indigenous Peoples’ Days in many states and cities.

Decoration Day

Decoration Day was made a federal holiday on May 30th, 1868, to honor the soldiers who died in the Civil War. On the first Decoration Day, 5,000 Americans respectfully decorated the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, the resting place of over 20,000 Civil War soldiers. Gradually, Decoration Day morphed into what we now know as Memorial Day. In 1967, the name change was finally made official in federal law, although it had been increasingly used since WW2. 

The U.S. certainly has a fascinating history of federal celebrations that has changed drastically over the years. While some holidays are no longer observed, others have been renamed, moved, or have faded from memory altogether. 

Read more: American Holidays And Celebrations
 

 Conclusion: The Legacy of Forgotten Holidays

The history of American holidays is more than a list of dates—it reflects the country’s shifting priorities, evolving identity, and the values it chooses to remember. While some holidays have faded due to changing political climates, historical reinterpretations, or social transformation, their stories remain part of the nation’s cultural fabric.

Understanding these “ghost holidays” deepens our appreciation for the current calendar and encourages us to reflect on how we honor the past. As America continues to grow and change, so will the traditions that mark its journey — reminding us that even forgotten holidays leave behind a legacy worth remembering.