Patriots’ Day: The Day That Sparked a Revolution

Patriots’ Day is a time to remember the bravery and determination of the first American revolutionaries. This state holiday, observed in Massachusetts and several other states, marks the opening of the American Revolutionary War. More than just a historical commemoration, Patriots’ Day brings communities together through reenactments, tours, and the famous Boston Marathon. It serves as a reminder of the courage shown in the fight for American independence and the enduring spirit of freedom that continues to define the nation today.

Confused that there are different holidays called Patriot Day and Patriots’ Day? Check out our blog post explaining the difference between the two.

What is Patriots’ Day?

Patriots’ Day is a legal observance in several US states that commemorates the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy, which occurred at the start of the American Revolutionary War. 

Near the end of 1774, colonists in Boston formed a provisional government to counter British control of the area. In response, the British government declared that Massachusetts was in a state of rebellion and began preparations for a military takeover. The night before April 19, 1775, Paul Revere and several others rode through the towns of Massachusetts to warn the colonists that British forces were approaching. 

On the dawn of April 19, British Army forces landed in Boston and began to fight the colonists. The British pushed through to Concord, Lexington, and Menotomy in search of military supplies while simultaneously battling American revolutionaries. As more American minutemen joined the fight, the British began to retreat to Boston. The colonists blockaded the land bridge out of Boston, initiating the 10-month-long Siege of Boston. 

The Patriots’ Day holiday was founded in 1894 when the Lexington Historical Society requested that the Massachusetts General Court designate April 19th as ‘Lexington Day.’ However, the towns of Concord and Menotomy (now known as Arlington) intervened, stating that it should be named after their cities instead. Governor Frederic Greenhalge compromised by combining all three battles into one holiday, called Patriots’ Day.

When is Patriots’ Day?

Starting in 1969, the traditional April 19th date was substituted with the third Monday in April to create a three-day weekend in Massachusetts. Maine, Connecticut, and North Dakota also adopted this updated observance, while Florida and Wisconsin still celebrate Patriots’ Day on April 19th each year.

Is Patriots’ Day a Federal Holiday?

Patriots’ Day is not a federal holiday but a regional observance in a few select states.

What States Celebrate Patriots’ Day?

Originally, Patriots’ Day was established only in Massachusetts, where the first battles of the American Revolutionary War took place. However, less than a decade after the holiday’s founding, Maine adopted Patriots’ Day in 1907. Several other states joined in throughout the centuries, including Connecticut, Florida, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.

How is Patriots’ Day Celebrated?

Patriots’ Day is primarily observed through battle reenactments in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. In Arlington, tours are given of the Jason Russell House, in which American minutemen had been hiding to ambush British forces, and soon became a battleground. The Jason Russell House is also along the road Paul Revere and William Dawes traveled. Their Midnight Rides, during which they warned that British forces were coming, are reenacted yearly.

In Boston, entire city streets are shut down to accommodate the Boston Marathon, held almost every year on Patriots’ Day since 1897. Marathoning is an ancient Greek sport, representing the link between the USA and ancient Athens in their quest for liberty and political self-determination.

Patriots’ Day today honors the courage and resilience of early American revolutionaries. From battle reenactments to the Boston Marathon, this holiday reminds us of the sacrifices and beliefs the colonists were fighting for. Whether you’re watching the Boston Marathon, participating in reenactments, or simply taking a moment to reflect, Patriots’ Day is an opportunity to recognize the legacy of those who stood for freedom.