On This Day, March 17: British Evacuate Boston Amid American Revolution On March 17, 1776, the Continental Army under General George Washington compelled British forces to withdraw from Boston, marking a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. This event is commemorated annually in Boston through Evacuation Day celebrations, which often coincide with St. Patrick’s Day parades. The historic evacuation was depicted in the 1911 painting The Evacuation of Boston by William James Aylward, now part of the New York Public Library’s collection. The date also holds significance in other historical contexts. In 1762, New York City held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade, honoring the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick, led by Irish soldiers in the British army. A century later, in 2002, President George W. Bush became the first sitting U.S. president to participate in the event, following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Elsewhere in history, March 17 has witnessed diverse events. In 1901, 71 paintings by Vincent van Gogh were exhibited in Paris, sparking global art-world attention. In 1917, Russia appeared on the brink of becoming a republic after the Romanov dynasty’s 300-year rule ended. The year 1958 saw the U.S. Navy launch Vanguard 1, the first satellite placed in Earth orbit. In 1959, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet for India, a move that reshaped regional politics. The date also marked the election of Golda Meir as Israel’s first female prime minister in 1969, following her career as a Milwaukee schoolteacher. In 1974, Arab oil-producing nations lifted a five-month embargo on U.S. petroleum, ending a period of soaring gasoline prices linked to the 1973 Middle East War.#st_patrick_day_parade #george_washington #american_revolution #new_york_public_library #victor_van_gogh
St. Patrick's Day Parade: Hundreds of thousands in green flood South Boston Hundreds of thousands of people flooded South Boston for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, creating a lively yet chaotic atmosphere filled with revelry, alcohol, and the vibrant energy of Boston’s Irish heritage. The 121st edition of the Boston St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day parade took a reverse route this year, beginning at 11:30 a.m. near Andrew Square station and winding three miles to A Street, just past the Broadway stop. Organizers noted that Boston was the first city in North America to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a tradition dating back to 1737. Officials estimated the crowd reached nearly one million people, with attendees from across the city, state, and country showcasing their enthusiasm through green attire, Irish flags, shamrocks, Celtics gear, and creative costumes. Governor Maura Healey joined the festivities in an orange Boston Dunkin’ tracksuit paired with a pink bucket hat, while parade participants included local unions, children’s sports teams, historical reenactors, and even Celtics player Jaylen Brown, who engaged with attendees. Despite the celebration, the event also brought challenges. Boston Police reported 17 arrests by 4 p.m., surpassing the nine arrests from last year. Councilor Ed Flynn, whose district represents South Boston, called for a formal city council hearing to address public safety concerns, law enforcement staffing, and the impact of the parade on local residents. “Once again, many arrived into South Boston and disrespected my neighbors, our veterans and military families,” Flynn stated. “That’s something I will no longer accept.” Public safety officials warned attendees that the parade was not a “drink fest” and deployed drones to monitor the route.#jaylen_brown #boston_police #south_boston #st_patrick_day_parade #maura_healey
South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade Feels More Controlled This Year The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston on Sunday drew hundreds of thousands of attendees, but many noted the event felt more organized and less chaotic than in recent years. City officials had ramped up enforcement and transit planning to address longstanding concerns about public drunkenness, safety issues, and arrests. Despite these efforts, the parade route remained packed with revelers, some of whom continued to engage in rowdy behavior, including drinking from gallon-sized containers and tossing mini liquor bottles. Boston Police made 17 arrests, issued citations, and confiscated alcohol from underage attendees, officials said. The parade, which has long been associated with its rowdy reputation, followed a new route this year, marching in the opposite direction from previous years. Organizers said the path mirrored the one used during the first Evacuation Day celebration in 1776, a historical event marking the British army’s departure from Boston. This year’s event coincided with the 250th anniversary of Evacuation Day, adding a layer of historical significance to the festivities. The parade began at 11:30 a.m. from Andrew Square, with the Boston Police Honor Guard carrying the American, Irish, and Massachusetts flags onto Dorchester Street. Behind them came the Boston Police Gaelic Column, whose bagpipes and drums set the tone for the procession. The event blended family-friendly moments with the usual rowdy energy. Marching bands, floats adorned with cannons, children scrambling for tossed candy, and neighbors throwing green bead necklaces from apartment windows created a festive atmosphere reminiscent of Mardi Gras.#boston_police #south_boston #st_patrick_day_parade #massasoit_community_college #university_of_massachusetts_amherst
