Patriots' Day in Maine is a state civic holiday observed on the third Monday of April. It commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, which were the first armed conflicts of the American Revolutionary War, fought on April 19, 1775. The holiday specifically honors the colonial militia, known as minutemen, who responded to the initial British troop movements and engaged them in these pivotal encounters.
The observance of this holiday in Maine is a direct result of its historical ties to Massachusetts. Maine was a part of Massachusetts, known as the District of Maine, until it achieved statehood in 1820. The holiday was officially established by Massachusetts in 1894 to replace Fast Day, and because of their shared history, Maine also adopted the observance. As a state-level holiday, it results in the closure of state, county, and municipal offices, as well as public schools and universities. While it is a legal holiday in the state, private businesses have the discretion to close or remain open.
In practice, Patriots' Day serves as a day of historical reflection and civic engagement, with some communities holding parades or reenactments. It is distinct from federal holidays; therefore, federal offices such as post offices remain open. The day also holds regional cultural significance, as it coincides with the running of the Boston Marathon in neighboring Massachusetts, an event that draws participation and attention from across New England, including Maine.
