Minor American Revolution holidays

The American Revolution was a time when the American colonies fought for their freedom from Britain. There are many holidays and events that celebrate this important period 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 that were kept near where the Bennington Battle monument stands today, in a place called Old Bennington.

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 after a long battle, 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 began with a proclamation by the United States Continental Congress 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, when Congress approved the Treaty of Paris.

The purpose of this special day was to thank God for the good luck America had during the Revolutionary 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, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore, the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.

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

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. Back then, it was a public holiday, but now events are held at the Historic Halifax State Historic Site. People in old-fashioned clothes show how life was in the past and sometimes act out scenes from the Revolution.

Massacre Day

Massacre Day was a holiday celebrated in Boston, Massachusetts from 1771 to 1783. It took place on March 5, marking the anniversary of 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 even though the town had voted not to. With support from a local leader, 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. Even though Benedict Arnold later did bad things, he is still remembered as a hero in New Haven.

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.