South Boston's Annual Evacuation Day Ceremony on Friday, March 15, Celebrates the 1776 Revolutionary War Victory at Dorchester Heights

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The National Parks of Boston and South Boston Citizens' Association are hosting the 248th annual Evacuation Day Commemoration on Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Due to current restoration work on the Dorchester Heights Monument, this year's ceremony will take place not at the monument, but at the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club at 230 West Sixth Street in South Boston.

Confirmed speakers include Congressman Stephen F. Lynch,  National Parks of Boston Superintendent Michael Creasey, and state and city elected officials, including State Senator Nick Collins, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn.

Superintendent Creasey will share a brief overview of the current restoration project. The National Parks of Boston began the more than $30 million restoration of Dorchester Heights Monument on September 15. Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), rehabilitation work will be complete by March 17, 2026, Evacuation Day, during the nation's 250th birthday year. The Monument and its surrounding area remain closed to the public during the restoration.

The Excel High School JROTC Color Guard will lead a procession to the western edge of Thomas Park for a wreath laying following the speaking program. The commemoration will feature a ceremonial presentation of arms by the Lexington Minutemen and Henry Knox Color Guard. The Boston University Band will provide music.


In early March 1776, General George Washington ordered the construction of fortifications at Dorchester Heights. Two weeks later, these actions led to the evacuation of British forces from Boston, effectively ending the Siege of Boston.

Since 1901, the South Boston community has commemorated March 17 as "Evacuation Day" at Dorchester Heights, which also happens to fall on the Feast of St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. Learn more about the connections between Evacuation Day and St. Patrick's Day in South Boston.

See more information on the Dorchester Heights Monument restoration and photos online. 




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