The term "patriots day states" functions as a noun phrase. In this construction, the head noun is "states," which is modified by the proper noun "Patriots' Day" acting as an attributive noun (or noun adjunct). The phrase specifically refers to the U.S. states that officially recognize Patriots' Day as a public holiday.
The primary states that officially designate Patriots' Day as a civic holiday are Massachusetts and Maine. Observance in these two states includes the closure of state and local government offices, schools, and some private businesses. While not a statewide public holiday, Wisconsin also officially observes the day, requiring public schools to educate students about the historical events it commemorates. Connecticut also marks the day with official ceremonies but does not recognize it as a legal holiday.
The limited and regional nature of this observance is directly tied to American history. The holiday commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, the first armed conflicts of the American Revolutionary War, which took place within modern-day Massachusetts. Maine's official recognition stems from its history as the District of Maine within Massachusetts until it achieved statehood in 1820. The holiday's specific geographic origins explain why it is not a federal holiday and is primarily celebrated in the New England region.
