Lee–Jackson Day

Lee–Jackson Day was a state holiday in the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia, commemorating Confederate commanders, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Its observation was eliminated in 2020, replaced by Election Day as a state holiday.[1]

Lee–Jackson Day
1937 U.S. postage stamp featuring Lee, Jackson, and Stratford Hall
Observed byVirginia
TypeHistorical, cultural, ethnic
SignificanceSouthern history
DateJanuary 15-16
FrequencyAnnual
First time1889
Last time2020
Related to

Origin and name changes

The holiday was first created in 1889 during the administration of Gov. Fitzhugh Lee, a nephew of Gen. Lee.[2] The original holiday was on Lee's birthday (January 19) until 1904, which brought the addition of Jackson's name and birthday (January 21).[3] The original intent of Lee-Jackson day was to celebrate Confederate Generals Lee and Jackson, who had fought to prolong slavery during the American Civil War.[4]

In 1983, the holiday was merged with the then-new federal holiday Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, as Lee–Jackson–King Day in Virginia; the merger was reversed in 2000 by Governor Jim Gilmore.[5][6]

Observation

Lee–Jackson Day was observed on the Friday immediately preceding Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday in January). Typical events included a wreath-laying ceremony with military honors, a Civil War themed parade, symposia, and a gala ball.[7][8] State offices were closed for both holidays.[9]

During the 2010s, various Virginia municipalities chose not to observe Lee–Jackson Day, including Charlottesville, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond, and Winchester.[10] In 2017, the Town of Blacksburg decided to stop observing the day as well.[11][12]

Elimination

In early 2020 the newly elected Democratic Virginia General Assembly proposed ending the observance and designating Election Day as a replacement holiday. The Senate of Virginia voted in January to eliminate Lee–Jackson Day as a state holiday;[13][14][15] the legislation was passed a month later by the House of Delegates. Governor Ralph Northam approved the bill in March, to take effect in July.[16]

See also

References
  1. "Lee-Jackson Day around the world in 2023". Office Holidays. Retrieved 2023-07-29.
  2. Lefrak, Mikaela (January 12, 2018). "Why Does Virginia Celebrate Lee-Jackson Day?". Wamu 88.5. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  3. Lefrak, Mikaela (January 12, 2018). "Why Does Virginia Celebrate Lee-Jackson Day?". Wamu 88.5. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  4. Rankin, Sarah (February 24, 2020). "Va. Lawmakers Pass Bill Ending Lee-Jackson Holiday". NBC. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  5. Wheeler, Linda (January 18, 1999). "Three Heroes, One Odd Holiday for Virginians". Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  6. "LEE-JACKSON LEGACY SPURS CONTROVERSY IN VIRGINIA". Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  7. "Lee–Jackson Day". Virginia.org.
  8. "Lee Jackson Day, Lexington VA".
  9. "Pay and Holiday Calendar". Virginia DHRM. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  10. "Charlottesville stops observance of Lee–Jackson Day". www.wdbj7.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
  11. "Town of Blacksburg Rules & Regulations Revisions July 11, 2017". Town of Blacksburg. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  12. Heim, Joe (2018-01-11). "Va. cities and counties increasingly want to make Lee-Jackson Day history". Washington Post. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
  13. Vozzella, Laura (2020-01-21). "Virginia Senate votes to eliminate Lee-Jackson Day, create new Election Day holiday". Washington Post. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
  14. Chesley, Roger (2020-01-28). "Holidays honoring Lee, Jackson, were always a slap in the face for black people". Virginia Mercury. Retrieved 2020-01-30.
  15. "Confederate generals shouldn't be enshrined on the calendar". Washington Post. 2020-01-24. Retrieved 2020-01-30.
  16. Virginia General Assembly SB 601 Legal holidays; Election Day
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