The Battles of Lexington and Concord: April 19, 1775

On April 19, 1775, British troops marched from Boston to Concord, MA, to seize colonial militia supplies. The mission sparked the American Revolutionary War.

Sequence

1. Lexington Green (dawn) – 700 British regulars vs. ~70 militia (Minutemen). Shots fired (origin disputed); 8 colonists killed, 1 British wounded.
2. Concord (morning) – British searched for arms; found little (most moved). At North Bridge, ~400 militia engaged 3 British companies; British retreated.
3. Retreat to Boston – 16-mile march under constant guerrilla fire from militia along "Battle Road." British suffered heavy casualties; saved by reinforcements at Lexington.

Significance

• First military engagements of the American Revolution.
• Demonstrated colonial resolve and effective irregular tactics.
• Galvanized the colonies; led to Continental Army formation.
• "Shot heard 'round the world" (Emerson) symbolizes global impact.

The British failed to seize supplies; the colonists won a strategic and psychological victory.