Evacuation Day on March 17: Know why is it observed?

March 17 is observed as Evacuation Day in the US. This day marks an important event in the history of the US and various schools and offices of Suffolk County remain closed.

Why is Evacuation Day observed?

The Evacuation Day is observed to mark the evacuation of the British Troops in 1776 from Boston during the times of the American Revolutionary War. It happened after Dorchester Heights was fortified by General George Washington and this was the first major victory of the military in the revolutionary war of America. The area of South Boston is highly important both strategically and from the attack's perspective too as British warships were severely attacked there.
Boston is a land that provides a platform for various events associated with Evacuation Day. The decision to holiday on Evacuation Day came in 1901. A white marble monument, The Dorchester Heights represents and highlights the events of the evacuation day.

Fun Fact

Both the Evacuation Day and the St. Patrick's Day are observed on March 17. This also indicates the contribution of Irish Catholics in helping General George Washington to give British troops a tough fight. The sharing of the dates between these two days is again a good sign for many Irish descendants who reside in Suffolk County.

FAQs

1. Who defeated British troops?
   The American Military
2. When were British troops evacuated?
   In 1776.