Monthly Archives: March 2008

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In the United
States

Irish colonists brought Saint Patrick’s Day to
what is now the United States of America. The first civic and public celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day in the 13 colonies took place in Boston, Massachusetts in 1737. During this first celebration
The Charitable Irish Society of Boston organized what was the first Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the colonies on 17 March 1737. The first celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day in New York City was held
at the Crown and Thistle Tavern in 1756, and New York’s first Saint Patrick’s Day Parade was held on 17 March 1762 by Irish soldiers in the British Army. In 1780, General George Washington, who
commanded soldiers of Irish descent in the Continental Army, allowed his troops a holiday on 17 March. This event became known as The St. Patrick’s Day Encampment of 1780. Today, Saint Patrick’s Day
is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike.