Patriots' Day is a civic holiday observed on the third Monday of April in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin. It commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Battle of Menotomy, the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, which took place on April 19, 1775.
The historical events commemorated include the midnight rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes, who alerted colonial minutemen to the approach of British forces seeking to seize military supplies in Concord. The ensuing skirmishes marked the first organized resistance against British rule. Today, the holiday is marked by numerous observances, most notably historical reenactments in Lexington and Concord. Since 1897, the date has also been synonymous with the running of the Boston Marathon, one of the world's most prestigious long-distance races, which is held annually on this day.
The holiday functions as a significant regional commemoration of the origins of American independence, emphasizing the role of citizen-soldiers in the nation's founding. It blends solemn remembrance of historical sacrifice with major contemporary civic and athletic events. This duality highlights its evolution from a day of pure historical reflection to a broader cultural event that celebrates community, endurance, and the spirit of liberty.
