Patriots' Day is a state holiday observed on the third Monday in April. It is officially recognized in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin, and has been observed in Connecticut since 2018.
The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which occurred on April 19, 1775, marking the start of the American Revolutionary War. Originally observed on the fixed date of April 19, Massachusetts changed its law in 1969 to move the observance to the nearest Monday, creating a three-day weekend. This system aligns with the principle behind the federal Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
This floating date has significant practical implications, most notably for the scheduling of the Boston Marathon, which has been held on this day since 1897. The day is also marked by historical reenactments, parades, and public school vacations in the states where it is an official holiday.
