federal holiday in the United States

National holidays in the United States are 11 calendar dates designated by the U.S. federal government as official holidays. On these days non-essential national offices are closed although the employees receive pay. National holidays are designated by the United States Congress in Title V of the United States Code. Congress only has authority to create holidays for national institutions (including federally-owned properties), employees, and the District of Columbia. As a general rule of courtesy, other institutions, such as banks, businesses, schools, and the financial markets, may be closed on national holidays. In various parts of the country, state and city holidays may be observed concurrently with national holidays. History The history of national holidays in the United States dates back to June 28, 1870, when Congress created national holidays "to correspond with similar laws of States around the District...and...in every State of the Union." Although at first applicable only to federal employees in the District of Columbia, Congress extended coverage in 1885 to all federal employees. The original four holidays in 1870 were: