- Categories:
- Federal
- Tags:
- AmericanHistoricalMilitary
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every March 17
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- 🇺🇸
Evacuation Day commemorates a decisive Revolutionary War victory every March 17. This historic date marks when George Washington’s strategic fortification of Dorchester Heights compelled British forces to withdraw from Boston. Reflect on this crucial moment in American history and explore ways to honor the sacrifices made for liberty.
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Expected Evacuation Day Deals
As a day of historical recognition, Evacuation Day typically sees local Boston establishments and historical sites offering special programming rather than commercial deals. Look for free admission or discounted tours at places like the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum and the Freedom Trail Foundation. Local restaurants and pubs, especially those with historical ties, may feature themed menus or special events. Veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) often host commemorative ceremonies. We will update this page with confirmed live events as March 17 approaches.
Platform Guide for Evacuation Day
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Mention @NatlToday and use #EvacuationDay. Share historical facts, images of Boston’s landmarks, or quotes from Revolutionary War figures. Engage with local historical societies and news outlets.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #EvacuationDay. Post photos from Boston’s historical sites, share stories about the day’s significance, or organize a virtual discussion group on local history.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #EvacuationDay. Share visually compelling content of Boston’s historical architecture, reenactments, or patriotic displays. Use carousels to tell the story of Dorchester Heights.
Evacuation Day Hero
George Washington
History of Evacuation Day
On March 4, 1776, Major General John Thomas led a force of 1,200 laborers and 800 soldiers to Dorchester Heights. George Washington authorized this mission. The objective was to fortify Dorchester Heights. To conceal noise from the fortification work, the Americans began bombarding targets outside the city of Boston.
When the sun rose the following day on March 5, over a dozen cannons from Fort Ticonderoga had found their way to Dorchester Heights. Lady Luck was on America’s side. Bad weather prevented British ships docked in the Boston harbor from destroying enemy bases, giving the Americans enough time to set up artillery and complete their fortifications. When the weather settled down, the British realized their position was indefensible. They could no longer occupy the city they had held for eight years — not under the presence of such heavy firepower pointed directly at their troops and naval fleet.
Though the British outnumbered the Americans several times, General William Howe, commander of the British army, did not want to repeat the mistakes made in the Battle of Bunker Hill. He decided to withdraw rather than suffer devastating losses in a Pyrrhic victory. Over 11,000 British troops sailed away from Boston on March 17, heading to Halifax in Nova Scotia, and never returned. This was a major psychological victory for Washington and the Americans. The Evacuation Day holiday was proclaimed in 1901. The residents of Massachusetts still celebrate this significant victory today.
Evacuation Day timeline
British military forces invade and occupy the American city of Boston.
On December 16, 60 American colonists throw 342 chests of tea into the Boston harbor to protest a tax imposed on tea by the East India Company.
The British Parliament introduces punitive laws to punish Massachusetts colonists for the Boston Tea Party.
Militias in Massachusetts block access to Boston by land.
The British sail away from Boston after the colonists successfully fortify Dorchester Heights.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Evacuation Day
Local businesses in Boston can honor Evacuation Day by educating customers about its significance. Restaurants might offer historically-inspired menu items or host trivia nights about the Revolutionary War. Retailers could display information about the day’s events or partner with local historical societies for fundraising. Emphasize the historical context and patriotic spirit rather than purely commercial promotions, perhaps by sponsoring local commemorative events or encouraging visits to historical landmarks.
Evacuation Day FAQs
When is Evacuation Day?
In 2027, Evacuation Day is observed on Wednesday, March 17. This annual observance remembers a crucial early American victory.
Why is Evacuation Day celebrated on March 17?
The date March 17 was chosen because it was on this day that the British decided to abandon Boston, sailing to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This event, a significant morale booster for the nascent American forces, is celebrated annually in Massachusetts.
Is Evacuation Day a federal holiday?
While not recognized nationwide, Evacuation Day holds special significance in Massachusetts. It is one of two legal holidays exclusive to Suffolk County, the other being Patriots’ Day in April, reflecting the region’s deep historical roots in the American Revolution.
What is the significance of Dorchester Heights?
The fortification of Dorchester Heights demonstrated Washington’s military ingenuity and was a turning point in the Siege of Boston. The threat posed by the American artillery from this vantage point directly led to the British decision to withdraw, marking a critical early victory for the Continental Army.
Evacuation Day Activities
Watch an enactment
Revolutionary war enactments are colorful affairs, complete with historically accurate clothing and weapons. History buffs and actors roleplay as different sides in the conflict in live-action displays of massive battles. It’s an entertaining way to learn about history.
Wear clothing that is color green
Evacuation Day coincides with St. Patrick’s Day and people chose to combine the two holidays. Boston is home to many Americans with Irish ancestry, and it's common to see mash-ups of St. Paddy’s Day and Evacuation Day celebrations.
Attend the parade
Join in the festivity of the parade and come together as a community in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day. Watch the parade from one of the many restaurants along the route, or take in the parade with the masses.
5 Interesting Facts About Boston You Didn’t Know
It’s named after an English town
The settlers of Boston, Massachusetts, came from the town of Boston, England.
It has America’s first subway
Bostonians built the first subway in the U.S. in 1897.
It is the home of chocolate
The very first chocolate factory in the U.S. opened in Dorchester in 1765.
The city has a nickname
Boston got the nickname ‘Beantown’ because locals loved to eat baked beans and molasses.
There are no happy hours
Despite its reputation for solid drinking culture, happy hours were outlawed in Boston in 1984 after a drunk driver killed Kathleen Barry in a restaurant parking lot in Braintree, Massachusetts.
Why We Love Evacuation Day
It helps us commemorate history
Evacuation Day is an integral part of early U.S. history. It’s one of the notable events in the country’s founding, immortalizing American defiance against the British.
It is a celebration of victory
Evacuation Day was a victory over the redcoats, and the Americans didn’t even have to fire a single shot. General Washington’s quick thinking saved lives and raised morale among troops and American citizens.
It shows American ingenuity
The Siege of Boston and its conclusion were a testament to good old-fashioned American ingenuity. With a bit of creativity and smarts, the colonists outwitted a numerically superior British force.
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