Patriots' Day is a state-level civic holiday observed in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin, commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which were the initial armed conflicts of the American Revolutionary War in 1775. The observance is legally mandated for the third Monday in April. In the year 2025, this date is Monday, April 21.
The holiday specifically marks the historical events of April 19, 1775, which included the midnight rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes to warn colonial militias of the approaching British forces. The ensuing skirmishes at Lexington Green and the Old North Bridge in Concord are central to the commemoration. Modern observances, particularly in Massachusetts, feature historical reenactments of these events. The most prominent contemporary event associated with the holiday is the Boston Marathon, an internationally recognized race that has been held on Patriots' Day since 1897.
As a statutory holiday in specific states, its observance primarily impacts public institutions such as state and local government offices and schools, which are typically closed. Unlike federal holidays, its recognition is geographically limited, representing a unique regional commemoration of American history. The day functions as both a solemn remembrance of the start of the Revolutionary War and a celebration of civic and community spirit, as seen in the various parades, ceremonies, and athletic events that take place.
