Patriots' Day is an official state holiday observed primarily in Massachusetts and Maine. It is also recognized as a special observance day in the public schools of Wisconsin.
The geographic concentration of this holiday is directly linked to its historical origins. It commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which occurred on April 19, 1775, marking the start of the American Revolutionary War. Because these pivotal events took place within its borders, Massachusetts observes the day with extensive historical reenactments, particularly in Lexington and Concord, and famously hosts the Boston Marathon. Maine, which was part of Massachusetts until the Missouri Compromise of 1820, shares this historical heritage and continues to observe the holiday. While not a day off from work or school, Wisconsin state law mandates that the date be observed in schools with educational programming related to the event's significance.
Unlike national holidays such as Independence Day, the observance is distinctly regional, underscoring its deep connection to the specific locations where the initial conflicts of the American Revolution unfolded. The holiday is celebrated on the third Monday in April, tying a modern three-day weekend to a date of profound local and national historical importance.
