Peter Francisco Day

Peter Francisco Day in Virginia.

The 15th of March is known as Peter Francisco day due to the role Peter played in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in Greensboro, N.C. The battle of Guilford Courthouse occurred on March 15, 1781. Peter was instrumental in this battle, where he slew 11 of the British forces and was subsequently left for dead after the battle. Peter Francisco is honored for his acts of bravery with his name affixed to the American Cavalry Monument located at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.

Beginning in 1954, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was the first to establish a day that recognized Peter Francisco. In accordance with Chapter 124 of the Acts, March 15th of each year as Peter Francisco Day in Massachusetts.

In the state of Rhode Island, under title 25 of holidays and days of special observances, chapter 25-2 Days of Special Observance, section 25-2-33, Peter Francisco Day shall be annually observed, on the 15 of March in the state of Rhode Island.

On February 17, 1973, with residents of Virginia and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution looking on, the Governor of Virginia, Linwood Holton, signed the first proclamation declaring March 15th annually as Peter Francisco Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A short time later on February 24, 1973, the state senate concurred and the resolution was passed declaring March 15 annually as Peter Francisco Day in Virginia. The Commonwealth of Virginia was Peter Francisco’s adopted home state.

The Society played a major role in writing to the State of Maryland requesting that they recognize Peter Francisco with a day. Governor Martin O'Malley signed the proclamation designating March 15, 2013, as Peter Francisco Day in the State of Maryland. A copy of the proclamation was presented to the Society at our meeting on March 16, 2013.

On February 21, 2019, the New Jersey Senate passed Bill SJR 101, designating March 15 annually as Peter Francisco Day.