Minor American Revolution holidays

The American Revolution was a time when the American colonies fought for their freedom from Britain. There are many holidays that celebrate this important time in history.

Some of these holidays are well-known, like Independence Day, but others are smaller or only celebrated in certain places.

These smaller holidays still remember important moments and people from the Revolution. They help us learn more about the history of the United States and why it became a country. Even though they aren't as big as some other holidays, they are still meaningful to many people.

Each of these holidays has its own special way of being celebrated. Some might have parades, while others have special events or ceremonies. They are a way for communities to come together and honor the past. These minor holidays show that there is much more to the story of the American Revolution than just the big events everyone knows.

A Great Jubilee Day

A Great Jubilee Day, first celebrated on May 26, 1783, in North Stratford, now Trumbull, Connecticut, marked the end of major fighting in the American Revolutionary War. It was a special day for people to come together and celebrate peace after a long and difficult time.

Bennington Battle Day

Bennington Battle Day is a special holiday only in Vermont. It celebrates a big win by American forces at the Battle of Bennington during the Revolutionary War in 1777. Even though the battle happened in New York, the holiday is observed on August 16 every year.

In the town of Bennington, people act out the battle to remember what happened long ago. The battle was important because it was about getting weapons and supplies.

Carolina Day

Carolina Day is a special day in South Carolina that celebrates a big win during the American Revolutionary War. On June 28, 1776, soldiers from South Carolina fought off a big ship attack near Charleston. They defended a small fort made of palmetto logs and sand, and the ships had to leave. This helped keep Charleston safe for a while.

People in South Carolina started celebrating this victory in 1777, calling it Palmetto Day or Sergeant Jasper's Day. Later, it became known as Carolina Day. Though it is not as popular as it once was, it is still an official holiday in South Carolina. One tradition is playing the tune of "Three Blind Mice" at noon at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Charleston to remember this important day.

Founder's Day

Founder's Day started when the United States Continental Congress made a proclamation on October 11, 1782. This happened because Great Britain was expected to accept that it had lost the American Revolutionary War. The war officially ended later, on January 14, 1784.

The purpose of this special day was to thank God for the good luck America had during the war. This day is not the same as the Thanksgiving Day we know today. During and after the war, leaders often set aside days for thankfulness. This particular day of thanks was set for November 28.

Proclamation Text

By the United States in Congress assembled.

PROCLAMATION.***

IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD for his gracious assistance, and to give him praise for his goodness: Therefore, the United States in Congress assembled recommend to the inhabitants of these States to observe THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies.

Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two.

John Hanson, President.

Charles Thomson, Secretary.

Halifax Day

Halifax Day is celebrated on April 12 in Halifax, North Carolina. It marks the day when the Halifax Resolves were passed. This was the first time any colony officially asked to be independent from Britain. It used to be a public holiday, but now events are held at the Historic Halifax State Historic Site. People dress up in old-fashioned clothes and show how life was in the past. Sometimes they act out scenes from the Revolution.

Massacre Day

Massacre Day was a holiday celebrated in Boston, Massachusetts from 1771 to 1783. It happened on March 5, to remember the Boston Massacre in 1770.

Powder House Day

Powder House Day is celebrated each year in New Haven, Connecticut to remember important events from April 22, 1775. On that day, the Governor's Foot Guard, led by Captain Benedict Arnold, asked for the keys to the powder house so they could get weapons. They wanted to join the fight in Cambridge, Massachusetts as part of the American Revolution.

When news of the Battle of Lexington reached New Haven, the Guard decided to help. They asked for the keys and got them. They then took what they needed and marched to Cambridge. Later, they helped General George Washington on his way to lead the forces near Boston.

Today, the Guard recreates these events every April with a ceremony and a march to the City Hall, where they ask the mayor for the keys again.

Yorktown Day

Yorktown Day is a holiday celebrated each year on October 19 in Yorktown, Virginia, United States. It marks the day in 1781 when British forces surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown, ending the American Revolutionary War.

People in Yorktown often hold a parade, listen to speeches from groups like the Daughters of the American Revolution, lay wreaths at graves, and watch reenactments of the battle and surrender.