Patriots' Day is an official state holiday in both Massachusetts and Maine. It commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first armed conflicts of the American Revolutionary War. The observance is held annually on the third Monday in April, marking the approximate date of the events in 1775.
The shared status as a public holiday stems from historical geography; Maine was a part of Massachusetts until it achieved statehood in 1820. While these are the only two states where it is a full legal holiday resulting in the closure of schools and state offices, other states give it official recognition. Wisconsin, for instance, designates it as a special observance day for public schools, legally requiring educational activities related to the historical events. Connecticut also officially recognizes the day, though it is not a legal holiday for closures.
In practice, the key distinction is between a legal public holiday and a day of observance. Its status as a full public holiday, with corresponding closures and civic traditions like the Boston Marathon, is unique to Massachusetts and Maine. In other states, the recognition serves a commemorative and educational purpose without the legal standing of a non-working day.
