Evacuation Day
Evacuation Day is a holiday celebrated on March 17, primarily in Boston, Massachusetts, to commemorate the day in 1776 when British troops evacuated the city during the American Revolutionary War. On March 17, 1776, British forces under General William Howe withdrew from Boston after an 11-month siege by George Washington’s Continental Army. Washington had fortifications built and cannons placed on Dorchester Heights, overlooking Boston Harbor—thanks in part to artillery dragged from Fort Ticonderoga by Henry Knox. Facing an unsustainable position, the British chose to leave peacefully rather than engage in a likely disastrous battle. The evacuation marked a key early victory for the revolutionaries.
St. Patrick’s Day – Saint Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17, is a cultural and religious holiday honoring Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Over time, it has evolved into a global celebration of Irish heritage, marked by parades, wearing green, and a whole lot of festive cheer.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Day
Corned Beef and Cabbage Day is celebrated on March 17, perfectly timed to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day—but with a uniquely American-Irish twist. Corned Beef and Cabbage Day honors the dish that has become synonymous with Irish-American St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. While many associate it with traditional Irish cuisine, it’s actually more of an Irish-American invention.
Here’s a look at the significant events, notable deaths, and famous birthdays that happened on March 17th throughout history:
Historical Events on March 17:
461 AD – Death of Saint Patrick:
The patron saint of Ireland is believed to have died on this day. That’s why St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 every year, originally to honor his missionary work and the spread of Christianity in Ireland.
1766 – Repeal of the Stamp Act (UK):
The British Parliament repealed the unpopular Stamp Act that had placed taxes on American colonists, fueling tensions that would lead to the American Revolution.
1776 – British Evacuate Boston:
During the American Revolutionary War, British forces withdrew from Boston after a successful siege by George Washington’s Continental Army. This is celebrated in Boston as Evacuation Day.
1905 – Eleanor Roosevelt marries Franklin D. Roosevelt:
The future First Lady and the future 32nd President of the United States tied the knot on this day.
1958 – Launch of Vanguard 1:
The U.S. launched Vanguard 1, the fourth artificial Earth satellite and the first to use solar power. It’s still orbiting today—the oldest man-made object in space.
1992 – South Africans vote to end apartheid:
In a national referendum, nearly 69% of white South African voters supported reforming the constitution and ending apartheid policies.
Famous Birthdays on March 17:
1804 – Jim Bridger:
Legendary American frontiersman, explorer, and folk hero of the Old West.
1834 – Gottlieb Daimler:
German engineer and inventor who co-developed the high-speed gasoline engine and co-founded what became Mercedes-Benz.
1902 – Bobby Jones:
American golf legend, co-founder of The Masters Tournament.
1919 – Nat King Cole:
Iconic American jazz pianist and singer, known for classics like Unforgettable and Mona Lisa.
1951 – Kurt Russell:
American actor with a wide range of films, from The Thing to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
1972 – Mia Hamm:
American soccer legend, two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA World Cup champion.
Notable Deaths on March 17:
461 – Saint Patrick, as mentioned above.
His death led to the modern celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
1846 – Friedrich Bessel:
German mathematician and astronomer, known for Bessel functions and for being the first to accurately determine the distance to a star.
2005 – Andre Norton:
Prolific science fiction and fantasy author, often called the “Grand Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy.”
