Guide Note

Every March 17 Bostonians celebrate Evacuation Day, an official holiday that observes the evacuation of British forces from American cities in the wanning stages of the American Revolutionary War.

Fast Facts

1. Date: March 17
2. Original evacuation: March 17, 1776
3. Schools and government offices closed
4. Usually same day as St. Patrick's Day
5. Official proclaimed a holiday in 1901
6. Also observed in Cambridge and Somerville

Following the battles of Lexington and Concord, the Continental Army lead by George Washington, forced a British retreat to Boston. Following an 11-month siege, the British agreed to evacuate the city peacefully in exchange for safe passage to Nova Scotia.¹