Patriots' Day is a state holiday observed on the third Monday of April. It is an official public holiday in Massachusetts and Maine, commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, which marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. The holiday is also officially recognized in Connecticut and Wisconsin, though with less widespread public closures.
Historically, the observance was held on the fixed date of April 19. In 1969, Massachusetts enacted legislation to move the holiday to the third Monday in April, creating a three-day weekend. Maine subsequently followed this practice. This scheduling has made the day synonymous with major civic events, most notably the Boston Marathon, which has been run on the holiday since 1897. The long weekend also facilitates numerous historical reenactments, parades, and ceremonies in the towns of Lexington, Concord, and Boston.
The selection of a floating Monday observance, rather than the fixed anniversary date, highlights a modern approach to public holidays that combines historical commemoration with practical considerations for community events and travel. Consequently, while the specific date changes each year, its position as the third Monday in April is constant, securing its status as a significant day for remembrance, civic engagement, and cultural tradition primarily within New England.
