Patriots' Day is an official state holiday, but it is not a federal holiday in the United States. It is legally recognized and observed in Massachusetts and Maine. Additionally, while not an official public holiday, it is observed by the public school systems in Wisconsin. The holiday is celebrated annually on the third Monday in April.
The observance commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775. These battles marked the first armed conflicts of the American Revolutionary War and are considered the "shot heard 'round the world." The holiday honors the memory of the first colonists who fought for American independence. The date is also culturally significant as it is the traditional day of the Boston Marathon, an event held annually since 1897 to coincide with the holiday.
Because it is a state holiday, its impact is localized. In Massachusetts and Maine, state, county, and municipal government offices close, as do most public schools and some private businesses. In the rest of the country, it is a regular workday, as federal agencies and businesses in other states do not observe the holiday. This distinguishes it from national holidays like Thanksgiving or Independence Day, which mandate closures nationwide.
