Although it seems that St. Patrick’s Day steals the spotlight, Bostonians will be quick to remind you that the city also celebrates Evacuation Day in March.
Traditionally observed on Mar. 17, the day is a celebration and remembrance of when the British Army evacuated Boston during the very early stages of the Revolutionary War.
South Boston, in particular Dorchester Heights, played a very important role in the push to get the Red Coats out. But Roxbury also had a hand in the battle.
On Saturday, March 16, elected officials and residents will commemorate the events of that day with a series of programs in South Boston and Roxbury.
Starting at 9 a.m., a Memorial Mass will be held at the St. Augustine’s Chapel, at 181 Dorchester St.
Following the memorial, historical exercises featuring the South Boston High School's Junior ROTC, the Boston Alarum Company, and the Lexington Minutemen will be held at 10 a.m. at the Dorchester Heights monument. The monument was the epicenter in the battle to push the British out of Boston.
Upon completion of the events in South Boston at 11 a.m. re-enactors will hold historical exercises at Roxbury’s historic Fort Hill located at 20 Fort Ave. The fort was constructed by Henry Knox, a hero of the Revolutionary War.
Following the events at Fort Hill a lunch will be held at Roxbury’s Shirley Eustis House located at 22 Shirley St.
All of Saturday's events are free. A shuttle bus will be run from Dorchester Heights to Fort Hill to the Shirley-Eustis House and back.