Boston Celebrates 250th Anniversary of British Evacuation, Marking Revolutionary War Turning Point
BOSTON, MA – March 17, 2026 – Boston today commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Evacuation of Boston by British forces on March 17, 1776, a pivotal moment in the American Revolution and the first major victory for the Continental Army led by General George Washington. The event effectively ended the Siege of Boston, which had lasted 332 days and involved a combined force of 16,000-20,000 American soldiers from Massachusetts, rhode Island, Connecticut, New hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, vermont, and Maine.
On March 5, 1776, Washington and his troops strategically fortified Dorchester Heights with prefabricated defenses and artillery brought from Fort Ticonderoga by Henry Knox. Faced with this formidable position and hampered by unfavorable weather and the condition of his troops, British General William Howe ordered the evacuation of over 11,000 soldiers and more than 1,200 loyalists aboard a fleet of approximately 120 ships. The British never again returned to occupy boston, except for limited raids.
The Continental Congress recognized the meaning of the victory, authorizing the ”Washington Before Boston” medal on March 25, 1776 – the first such medal awarded by Congress. Washington’s original gold version of the medal is currently housed in the Boston Public Library.
Today’s commemoration began with a memorial service at st. Augustine’s Chapel (181 Dorchester St, Boston, MA 02127) at 9:00 a.m., followed by a procession up Telegraph Street to Dorchester Heights at 10:00 a.m. Commemorative exercises in front of the Dorchester Heights monument commenced at 10:30 a.m., featuring political and community leaders from across the Commonwealth, alongside historical reenactors including the Lexington Minute Men, the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, the Henry Knox Color Guard, the Henry Knox Regiment of Artillery, and a portrayal of General George Washington by John Koopman. historical assets from Fort Ticonderoga and Saratoga 250 also participated in the event.
