History of Patriots' Day in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 14, 2025

Patriots' Day is a holiday observed in six U.S. states on the third Monday of April. It commemorates the Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy, which were the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Celebrations often include reenactments of these battles. The Boston Marathon is also held on Patriots' Day.

1907: Maine replaces Fast Day with Patriot's Day

In 1907, Maine followed Massachusetts' lead and replaced its Fast Day holiday with Patriot's Day.

1938: Holiday Established

In 1938, the Massachusetts legislature passed a bill officially establishing Patriots' Day as a holiday. This commemoration marked "the opening events of the War of the Revolution".

1959: Red Sox Game Postponed

In 1959, the Boston Red Sox game, traditionally scheduled at home on Patriots' Day, was postponed due to weather.

1961: Red Sox Game Postponed

In 1961, the Boston Red Sox game, traditionally scheduled at home on Patriots' Day, was postponed due to weather.

1965: Red Sox Game Postponed

In 1965, the Boston Red Sox game, traditionally scheduled at home on Patriots' Day, was postponed due to weather.

1967: Red Sox Game Postponed

In 1967, the Boston Red Sox game, traditionally scheduled at home on Patriots' Day, was postponed due to weather.

1968: Red Sox Game Early Start

From 1968, the Boston Red Sox game on Patriots' Day started early in the morning, around 11:00 am.

1969: Holiday Shifted to Third Monday

Since 1969, Patriots' Day has been observed on the third Monday in April in Massachusetts and Maine, creating a three-day long weekend and coinciding with the start of vacation week for public schools and a school holiday for many local colleges and universities in both states.

1984: Red Sox Game Postponed

In 1984, the Boston Red Sox game, traditionally scheduled at home on Patriots' Day, was postponed due to weather.

1995: Red Sox Game Canceled

In 1995, the Boston Red Sox game, traditionally scheduled at home on Patriots' Day, was canceled due to the baseball strike.

2006: Red Sox Game Early Start

Until 2006, the Boston Red Sox game on Patriots' Day started early in the morning, around 11:00 am.

2007: Later Start for Red Sox Game

Since 2007, the Boston Red Sox game on Patriots' Day has a later start time, causing the marathon racers to pass through Kenmore closer to the middle of the Red Sox game.

2013: Red Sox Game Played After Bombing

In 2013, the Boston Red Sox game was played on Patriots' Day despite the Boston Marathon bombing because the game had finished before the bombs went off.