Patriots' Day is a state holiday observed on the third Monday of April in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin. It commemorates the opening battles of the American Revolutionary War, specifically the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Siege of Boston, which occurred on April 19, 1775. The holiday honors the courage and actions of the colonial militia who first resisted British forces, marking the beginning of the armed conflict for American independence.
The historical events commemorated include the midnight rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes, who alerted colonial minutemen to the approach of British troops. Modern observances often feature historical reenactments of these events, particularly in the towns of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. The day is also famously associated with the Boston Marathon, an internationally renowned road race held annually since 1897. Additionally, the Boston Red Sox baseball team traditionally plays a home game at Fenway Park with an early morning start time, a tradition dating back to the early 20th century.
Unlike federal holidays such as the Fourth of July, this observance is regional, reflecting its specific historical ties to New England. It serves as a civic and cultural touchstone, celebrating the origins of American liberty and the role of ordinary citizens in the nation's founding. The holiday's combination of solemn historical remembrance and major sporting events makes it a unique and significant day in the regions where it is celebrated.
