Patriots' Day is not a new holiday; it is a long-established regional commemoration dating back to the late 19th century. Its origins are deeply rooted in American history, specifically the events that initiated the American Revolutionary War.
The holiday was first proclaimed in Massachusetts in 1894 by Governor Frederic T. Greenhalge to replace Fast Day. It was established to commemorate the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775. These events marked the first military engagements of the revolution. The holiday is officially observed on the third Monday in April in Massachusetts and Maine. Wisconsin also recognizes it as a public school holiday on April 19. More recently, Connecticut began official observance in 2018.
The perception that the holiday might be new often stems from its limited geographic observance. As it is a state holiday in only a few states and not a federal holiday, it remains unfamiliar to a large portion of the U.S. population. Its modern association with the Boston Marathon, a major international event held on that day, may also overshadow its historical origins for those outside of New England, contributing to the misconception of it being a more recent creation.
