Sonora founded Father’s Day in Spokane, Washington, in 
1910. She was inspired by the example of her devoted
dad, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran.

In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first
presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating
the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day.

Six years later, the day was made a permanent national
holiday when President Richard Nixon signed it into law
in 1972.

William Jackson Smart, the inspiration for Father’s Day.