Dorchester Heights 250

On March 17, 2026, Bostonians celebrate the 250th anniversary of Dorchester Heights, a sacred anniversary in South Boston known as Evacuation Day. It was on March 17, 1776, when occupying British troops ended their 11-month Siege of Boston and evacuated the town, after being forced to leave by General George Washington and colonial forces who aimed canons from atop Dorchester Heights at the British naval fleet in the harbor. 

The 250th celebration on March 17, 2026 takes place at Dorchester Heights Monument at Thomas Park in South Boston. The monument was first unveiled on March 17, 1902, before a massive crowd that included public officials, military veterans, marching bands, historians, community leaders and South Boston residents. Designed by Peabody and Stearns Architects, the Georgian Revival style structure was described in the program book as being “built of white marble. A plain shaft of about 60 feet high rises from the platform at the summit of the hill, relieved by a small balcony on each of the four sides. Above the main shaft the walls recede, forming a platform (that) commands an unequaled view of Boston, its harbor and surrounding country. A second shaft is crowned by an octagonal lantern. The height of the monument from the platform to the tip is about one hundred and fifteen feet.”

Today, the National Park Service and South Boston Citizens Association have a lasting partnership to celebrate Evacuation Day each year. Activities include educational projects, community engagement and official processions at the Dorchester Heights Monument, which has undergone a $30 million restoration over the past three years, thanks to funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). 

State Senator Nick Collins of South Boston is General Chairman of this year’s 250th Evacuation Day Commemorations, and numerous public officials, military leaders, historians and educators are attending this year’s Evacuation Day ceremony, which takes place Tuesday, March 17 from 11a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

This year, the Boston National Historical Parks has several events leading up to the March 17th ceremony that are free and open to the public. On March 13, a Remembrance Illumination at the monument invites visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with a turning point in the American Revolution. On March 14, a Monument Encampment brings an 18th century artillery encampment to life, with displays of authentic cannons and lessons about the British evacuation in 1776. 

The South Boston Citizens’ Association (SBCA) is organizing community activities from sports events and senior citizen salutes to essay and poster contests in schools. On March 17, the Association begins the day with an Evacuation Day Mass at St. Augustine Chapel at 9:00 a.m. Following the mass, wreaths will be laid in honor of the first Chief Marshal of the Evacuation Day/St. Patrick’s Day Parade, as well as Officer Barney McGinniskin, the first Irish-born officer in the Boston Police Department. Following the wreath-laying, a procession will muster at the Boys & Girls Club, then proceed along Mercer Street, up Telegraph Street, and into Dorchester Heights for the 250th Anniversary Evacuation Day ceremony and the rededication of the Dorchester Heights Monument.  

nps.gov/bost