Robert E. Lee's Birthday is a regional holiday observed in select Southern U.S. states to commemorate the birth of the Confederate Army general. Unlike major federal holidays, its celebration, scheduling, and official recognition vary significantly by state law and remain a topic of local civic discussion.
Robert E. Lee's Birthday 2026, 2027 & 2028
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 18 | Mon | Robert E. Lee's Birthday | AL & MS |
| 2028 | January 17 | Mon | Robert E. Lee's Birthday | AL, AR & MS |
Upcoming Robert E. Lee's Birthday Calendar Schedule
Depending on local state rules, this commemoration is observed either on Lee's actual birthday (January 19) or anchored to a specific Monday:
- Combined Monday Observance (AL & MS): Monday, January 18, 2027, and Monday, January 17, 2028.
- Actual Date Observance (FL): Tuesday, January 19, 2027, and Wednesday, January 19, 2028.
How is it Tracked across Different States?
Over the years, many states have modified, renamed, or completely removed this day from their official holiday calendars. Today, it manifests in a few different legal ways:
Combined State Holidays
In Alabama and Mississippi, state law explicitly pairs this day with the federal Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of January, resulting in shared official state closure listings.
Legal Dates & Observances
Florida keeps January 19 on its books as a legal state holiday. In Texas, the date is observed more broadly as part of a state-funded holiday known as Confederate Heroes Day.
Historical Study
Local historical groups and heritage societies use this period to visit regional historic sites, engage with educational materials, or participate in civil war historical discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, it is not a national federal holiday. Federal offices, national banking infrastructure, and standard U.S. post offices remain open on January 19 unless it aligns with a completely separate federal holiday.
Alabama and Mississippi historically merged the state-level remembrance day with the federal holiday schedule set aside for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, placing both on the third Monday of January.
Public school closures depend entirely on your specific state. In states where it is actively combined with MLK Day, schools are closed primarily to mark the federal civil rights holiday.
View Holidays by US State
Select your state below to find complete public holiday schedules, school breaks, and official bank closure dates: