Patriots' Day is an official state holiday in two U.S. states: Massachusetts and Maine. Additionally, Wisconsin observes the day as a public school holiday, while Connecticut and Florida have designated it as a day of observance, though it is not a legal public holiday in those states.
The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, which took place on April 19, 1775. Maine's observance is a historical continuation from the period when it was a district of Massachusetts. The date of celebration is fixed as the third Monday in April. The nature of the observance varies; in Massachusetts and Maine, it is a legal holiday resulting in the closure of state, county, and municipal offices, whereas in Wisconsin, the focus is on educational activities within schools to honor the day.
The geographic concentration of this holiday primarily in New England highlights its deep connection to the specific historical events and locations where the American Revolution began. Unlike national holidays that commemorate events of broad significance to the entire country, Patriots' Day remains a regional observance tied directly to local history. Its cultural significance is further amplified by major civic events, most notably the Boston Marathon, which has been held on Patriots' Day in Massachusetts since 1897.
