MAIN Holidays St. Patrick's Day Evacuation Day

A major early victory in the War for Independence, March 17, 1776 saw the British evacute Boston without a shot being fired.

It was great day for the Boston Irish, and not only because it was St. Patrick's Day.

For the rag-tag regulars, many of whom were Irish immigrant volunteers of Washington's newly formed army - it was a momentous day.

Bostoners laughed, some cried, others even reportedly gathered to play the traditional "St. Patrick's Day in the Morning" as thousands of British troops sailed out of the harbor in utter defeat on March 17, 1776.

Today, Evacuation Day is still celebrated with glee throughout Boston, Cambridge and Somerville, Massachusetts as a public holiday with schools and government offices closed in observance.

A Bit o' History

Less a battle than a marathon staring match, Boston's occupation by the British centered around the harbor, one of the most important ports in America in 1776.

To protect it, George Washington's Continental Army had secretly fortified Dorchester Heights nearby with cannon captured at Fort Ticonderoga (another early victory for the American side) that effectively produced a stalemate.

After an almost year-long siege, British General Howe realized his strategic blunder and, under rules of war at the time, Washington's men gave Howe an ultimatum — leave peacefully now, or attack us and face the consequences. A humiliated Howe chose the first option, and retreatd on March 17, 1776 with 10,000 British troops sailing out of Boston for safe harbor to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The defeated British never again tried to occupy Boston.

Boston Celebrates Evacuation Day

Despite the importance of the victory, Boston didn't officially recognize Evacuation Day until March 17, 1901 when Boston's mayor declared a public holiday in honor of the sacrifices by early patriots and Irish Americans. St. Patrick's Day and Evacuation Day have been celebrated as dual holiday ever since.

For more information on citywide events and celebrations in Boston this Evacuation Day, visit the official site at evacuationday.com.

More about Evacuation Day around the Web:

Mass Moments: Boston Celebrates First Evacuation Day

What's Up With Evacuation Day, Anyway?

The British Depart Boston

also see -> Travel the Boston Irish Heritage Trail

Fourth of July - American Independence history

18th Century history