Find signs with “Washington Street” from Diehl Road to Royce Road, north to south and over bridges that cross the DuPage River in Naperville. (PN Photo, Feb. 22, 2025, the 293rd anniversary of George Washington’s birth)
Prior to 1968, the holiday to recognize America’s first President, George Washington, was held on February 22, his actual birth date.
George Washington’s image is on the one dollar bill.
Certainly, most folks have learned and recognize Washington as a Revolutionary War hero and the first U.S. President. He’s the face on the one dollar bill.
Born in Virginia in 1732, Washington served against the French in the Seven Years War. When conflict between the British government and the Americans over taxation came to a head, Washington led as a successful general, leading troops to victory at Yorktown, Pennsylvania, in 1781, essentially ending the war.
In 1787, Washington presided over the Philadelphia Convention of 39 men, aiming to formulate the U.S. Constitution. He served as President, limiting himself to two terms from 1789 to 1797. Washington died in 1799.
Many historians revere George Washington as America’s “best” President.
Note that since 1968, when a holiday law was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the third-Monday date every February called “Presidents Day” recognizes George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The date was selected since it coincides closest with Washington’s birth date on February 22, 1732, and Abraham Lincoln’s birth date on February 12, 1809.
Look for landmarks along ‘Washington’ Street every day
Dates mark historic buildings throughout downtown
Take a stroll along Washington Street, just past Jefferson Avenue and before Jackson Avenue, and look up at the roof tops. Note parapet walls and design details at 216 S. Washington that display this city’s rich history from the 18th century. And be mindful that several downtown Naperville streets also are named to honor U.S. Presidents. (PN File Photo)
Look up and all around for signs of history
Find friendly fox squirrels along the brick path near the Riverwalk Amphitheater, located near the corner of Jackson Avenue and Eagle Street. Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the U.S. from 1829 to 1837.
Stroll the Naperville Riverwalk where furry friends scurry and ducks and geese hurry across the winding brick path.
31. Herbert Hoover 1929–1933 (City commemorates 100 years with Centennial Beach.)
32. Franklin D. Roosevelt 1933–1945
33. Harry S. Truman 1945–1953
34. Dwight Eisenhower 1953–1961 (On Nov. 21, 1960, Martin Luther King Jr. visited North Central College.)
35. John F. Kennedy 1961–1963 (Naperville junior high bears his name.)
36. Lyndon Johnson 1963–1969
37. Richard Nixon 1969–1974 (Naperville Heritage Society/Naper Settlement established.)
38. Gerald Ford 1974–1977
39. Jimmy Carter 1977–1981 (For frame of reference, the Riverwalk was first conceived as a local public-private partnership without state and federal dollars in the late 1970s, and dedicated on Sept. 7, 1981. / As this post was being created last year, The Carter Center released news on Feb. 18, 2024, that the former President, age 99, marked one year since he decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. The Carter family expressed gratitude for concern shown by his many admirers. Carter died at age 100 on Dec. 29, 2024.)
40. Ronald Reagan 1981–1989 (Naperville’s sesquicentennial anniversary was celebrated on Labor Day, Sept. 7, 1981, during the dedication of Naperville Riverwalk.)
41. George H. W. Bush 1989–1993
42. **William J. Clinton 1993–2001(Naperville commemorates new Millennium with Moser Tower / DuPage Children’s Museum comes to Naperville.)
43. **George W. Bush 2001–2009(Positively Naperville was launched on Sept. 1, 2001, 11 days before the horrific attacks on Sept. 11. In October, PN sent a copy of the second issue to the White House. In April 2002, the monthly publication received a note of appreciation, recognizing the spirit of the monthly publication, and signed by First Lady Laura Bush.)
44. **Barack Obama 2009–2017
45. **Donald J. Trump 2017–2021 (First Presidency)*
46. **Joe Biden 2021-2025
47. Donald J. Trump – 2025 (Second Presidency)*
*Note that while the United States has had 47 presidencies, the nation has been served by 45 men. On January 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump joined Grover Cleveland as one of only two individuals to have served two nonconsecutive terms as president. **Former Presidents listed in bold are still alive.
We found lots of fun facts on a set of 43 “Presidential Flash Cards” featuring picture cards published in 2001. —PN
Previous PN Posts related to President George Washington
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