Battles of Lexington and Concord, Overview, History, Timeline (2024)

Essential Facts

• The Battles of Lexington and Concord took place on April 19, 1775.
• It was a series of battles and skirmishes that took place, including the Battle of Lexington, the Battle of Concord, Parker’s Revenge, and the Battle of Menotomy, along the road from Boston to Concord.
• The road connecting Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord was known as the Bay Road, the Concord Road, and the Lexington Road, depending on where a traveler was. Today, it is referred to as the Battle Road, and a 5-mile stretch is preserved as the Battle Road Trail. This segment runs from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern edge of Minute Man Park in Lexington.
• It is estimated that nearly 4,000 men from Massachusetts Militia regiments responded to the “Lexington Alarm.”
• At least 35 black men responded to the alarms on April 19. Some responded on their own, such as Peter Salem. Others responded because they were slaves and may have been told to by their owners, including Prince Estabrook.
• Paul Revere’s historic “Midnight Ride” took about four hours and covered approximately 19 miles. Revere made the ride on “Brown Beauty,” a horse he borrowed from Reverend John Larkin.
• On April 17, following the Salem Gunpowder Raid, a London magazine said, “By a ship from America it is reported the Americans have hoisted their standard of liberty at Salem.”
• Massachusetts was the largest of the 13 colonies. At the time, the colony was divided into 14 counties, had around 200 towns, and roughly 250,000 inhabitants.
• Amos Doolittle traveled to Lexington and Concord and made sketches of the battles, based on eyewitness accounts.

Historic Firsts

• The first shot of the American Revolutionary War was fired in Lexington, Massachusetts, on the morning of April 19, 1775.
• The first Americans killed in the war were John Brown, Samuel Hadley, Caleb Harrington, Jonathon Harrington, Robert Munroe, Isaac Muzzey, Asahel Porter, and Jonas Parker.
• Prince Estabrook, who fought at Lexington, was the first black man wounded.
• Sylvanus Wood of Woburn captured a British soldier after the Battle of Lexington — this is believed to have been the first prisoner taken in the American Revolutionary War.
• The first time American forces mustered — formed ranks and prepared to march — on enemy forces took place on a hillside outside of Concord. After they formed up, Colonel James Barrett led them down a hill to the North Bridge, where British forces fired on them.
• Captain Isaac Davis and Private Abner Hosmer, both from Acton, were the first Americans killed at Concord.
• Major Isaac Gardner of the Brookline Militia was the first graduate of Harvard College to be killed in the war. He was killed at Watson’s Corner. Gardner was also the highest-ranking American officer killed that day.
• The first American offensive of the war took place at Meriam’s Corner, east of Concord, when Captain John Brooks of Reading ordered his men to fire on the British as they marched back to Boston.

The Prelude to the Battles of Lexington and Concord

The causes of the Battles of Lexington and Concord are rooted in the controversy over British laws that levied taxes on the American Colonies and restricted the rights of the colonists, commonly known as Taxation Without Representation.

Intolerable Acts

While “No Taxation Without Representation” was the popular rallying cry in the early years of the American Revolution, the situation escalated when Britain responded to the Boston Tea Party with the Intolerable Acts.

The Intolerable Acts placed Massachusetts under military rule, severely restricted the rights of the people, and closed the Port of Boston, starting June 1, 1774. British officials believed the heavy-handed measures would force the people of Boston and Massachusetts to end their opposition to Parliament’s laws and accept its authority over them. Further, British officials believed other cities and colonies would comply, rather than risk suffering similar punishments.

General Thomas Gage was made Governor of Massachusetts, tasked with enforcing the Intolerable Acts, and bringing order to Massachusetts. However, the Intolerable Acts had the opposite effect that British officials expected.

Solemn League and Covenant

In Massachusetts, political leaders organized the closure of county courts, which was often accomplished by large crowds that threatened violence if the courts opened their doors to conduct business.

Massachusetts leaders also appealed to the other colonies to join them in a “Solemn League and Covenant” that organized a boycott against trade with Great Britain. However, when colonial leaders could not agree on the details of the boycott, they organized the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia in September.

First Continental Congress

The members of the Massachusetts General Assembly defied General Gage and elected delegates to the First Continental Congress, as did 11 more colonies. Georgia was the only colony that declined to send delegates.

Powder Alarm

While the delegates assembled in Philadelphia, General Gage took action. On September 1, 1774, he sent a military expedition to Cambridge, Massachusetts that removed gunpowder and other military supplies from the storehouse. This incident, known as the “Powder Alarm,” led to rumors spreading through the colonies that the British had attacked Boston.

Within 24 hours, at least 4,000 men from the Massachusetts Militia responded and descended on Charlestown. Many of them went to see if the rumors were true, but many were also prepared to defend the city and go to war, if necessary.

Although the Powder Alarm ended peacefully and the militiamen returned to their homes, it set in motion a sequence of events in Massachusetts that led directly to the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Fortification of Boston Neck

In Boston, General Gage was surprised that so many militiamen responded to the Powder Alarm and that they were able to assemble so fast. At that time, Boston was on a peninsula, and could only be accessed via Boston Neck, which connected it to the mainland.

To protect the city against another mass gathering of militiamen, Gage ordered his men to build fortifications on Boston Neck. The fortifications forced people to pass through checkpoints guarded by British soldiers as they traveled to and from the city.

Gage also wrote a letter to William Legge, the Earl of Dartmouth and Secretary of State for the Colonies — commonly referred to as Lord Dartmouth. Gage told him he needed reinforcements and said, “…if you think ten thousand men sufficient, send twenty; if one million is thought enough, give two; you save both blood and treasure in the end.”

With the city under military control and Boston Neck fortified, a group of men in men in Boston organized themselves into a spy network. These men, including Paul Revere, kept watch on the British troops and their movements.

The First Continental Congress Begins

The First Continental Congress held its first meeting on September 5, 1774, and the news of the Powder Alarm was delivered the next day. John Adams called the news “a confused account, but an alarming one indeed.”

Suffolk Resolves

On September 6, 1774, political leaders from Suffolk County, Massachusetts convened in Dedham. Three days later, their convention produced the “Suffolk Resolves,” which denounced the Intolerable Acts. The Resolves also instructed the people of Massachusetts to ignore the Intolerable Acts, refuse to pay their taxes, and organize militia forces for their defense.

A copy of the Resolves was given to Paul Revere, who was also an Express Rider, and he carried them to Philadelphia with instructions to give them to the Massachusetts delegates. Revere delivered the Resolves on September 16. The next day, Congress adopted them and ordered them to be printed in the colonial newspapers.

Worcester Revolt

In Worcester, Massachusetts, more than 4,600 militiamen gathered on September 6, 1774, to keep the court from opening and conducting business. Although the men were unarmed, they still posed a threat to the British officials who arrived later in the morning to conduct the court’s business. The officials were blocked from entering the courthouse and publicly embarrassed by the militiamen, who forced them to sign and read oaths disavowing the Crown’s authority.

Four Stolen Cannons

Meanwhile, the Patriots in Boston managed to steal four cannons, which were eventually taken to Concord and hidden for safekeeping.

Massachusetts Provincial Congress

About a month later, on October 7, 1774, political leaders in Massachusetts met and organized the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. This new Congress, which challenged General Gage’s authority, met for the first time on October 11, in Concord. On October 20, Congress established the Committee of Safety, and the members started to discuss organizing the colony’s military defenses.

King George III Bans the Importation of Weapons and Ammunition

On October 17, 1774, Lord Dartmouth sent a letter to General Gage, encouraging him to disarm the New England Colonies. Two days later, on October 16, King George III issued an order prohibiting the American Colonies from importing firearms and ammunition.

Unaware of the King’s action, the Massachusetts Committee of Safety drafted a budget for buying ammunition, artillery, and other military supplies on October 25. The next day, October 26, the Committee issued a recommendation that each town should organize and supply their militia forces. Further, they recommended the formation of “companies of fifty privates at the least, who shall…hold themselves in readiness no the shortest notice…” These companies were known as “Minutemen.”

The Committee of Safety also started moving military supplies inland, to places like Concord and Worcester, so they were further away from British forces on the coast.

Continental Association

As the meetings for the First Continental Congress came to a close, it took action by sending letters to London affirming its loyalty to the King but also criticized Parliament. The 12 colonies in attendance agreed to a boycott and formed the Continental Association to organize and enforce it. Congress also agreed to meet again in May 1775 if the Intolerable Acts were not repealed.

Capture of Fort William and Mary

By December 1774, word reached America regarding the King’s embargo on the sale of weapons and ammunition. This added to the growing unrest and the threat of war.

Soon after, rumors spread through Boston that British ships carrying troops were headed to Portsmouth, Rhode Island, intending to take control of Fort William and Mary, which had a large number of military supplies. Boston leaders decided to warn the Patriots in Portsmouth, and Paul Revere was sent to deliver the message.

On December 14, fearing the Britsh were on their way, a mob seized the gunpowder from the fort and sent it to Exeter. Another mob returned the next day, December 15, and seized the artillery from the fort.

Although the rumors were proven to be false, General Gage responded by sending two warships to Portsmouth to protect Fort William and Mary and end the hostilities.

Gage Sends Troops to Protect Loyalists in Marshfield

In Marshfield, Massachusetts, Loyalist Timothy Ruggles helped organize a “Loyal Association.” After these Loyalists felt threatened by the Patriots living in Plymouth, they asked General Gage for protection. Gage responded by sending Captain Nisbet Balfour and a contingent of troops to occupy the town. They remained in Marshfield until April 19, 1775.

Lord Dartmouth Instructs General Gage to Take Action

On January 27, 1775, Lord Dartmouth sent a letter to General Gage and instructed him to take action against the “open Rebellion” in Massachusetts, however, he did not give him specific instructions on how to deal with the situation, leaving it up to Gage.

Gage’s Spies

Meanwhile, General Gage was receiving information from a spy within the Massachusetts Provincial Congress — Dr. Benjamin Church. Gage was aware Congress was storing military supplies at places in the countryside.

After receiving his instructions from Lord Dartmouth, Gage started to make preparations for the use of military force. On February 22, Gage issued orders instructing Captain William Brown and Ensign Henry De Berniere on a spy mission to gather intelligence and map the roads west of Boston.

He told them to: “…go through the counties of Suffolk and Worcester, taking a sketch of the country as you pass; it is not expected you should make out regular plans and surveys, but mark out the roads and distances from town to town…” — Gage’s Orders to Brown and De Berniere.

Leslie’s Retreat

Toward the end of February 1775, Gage sent an expedition to Salem, Massachusetts to seize military supplies that his spy, Benjamin Church, told him were hidden there.

Approximately 3,000 militiamen gathered to block the British from searching the town in the first open confrontation between the people of Massachusetts and British troops since the Boston Massacre (1770).

Although violence was averted, the two-hour standoff, known as “Leslie’s Retreat,” very well could have resulted in hostilities and the war could have started then and there.

British Reinforcements, Including Three Generals

Meanwhile, British officials in London decided to send reinforcements to support General Gage. These included General John Burgoyne, General Henry Clinton, and General William Howe.

When this news reached the Colonies, it seemed clear Britain intended to use military force. Thomas Cushing wrote: “The people are not dismayed. Should the administration determine to carry into execution the late acts by military force, they will make the last appeal. They are determined life and liberty shall go together.”

Boston Massacre Memorial

A few days later, on March 6, 1775, Doctor Joseph Warren delivered a passionate speech at the Boston Massacre Memorial — with British officers in attendance who loudly booed him during the speech.

Thomas Ditson Tarred and Feathered

On March 8, 1775, Thomas Ditson of Billerica was in Boston and made the mistake of asking where he could buy guns. After an agreement to buy a gun fell apart, Ditson was detained. The next day, the British troops tarred and feathered him. After that, they paraded him through the streets. An outraged mob of Bostonians gathered, forcing the British to load and prepare their weapons to defend themselves. Ditson was released and the incident ended.

A Second Mission for Brown and De Berniere

On March 20, 1775, General Gage issued new orders to Captain William Brown and Ensign Henry De Berniere. This time, they were told to go to Concord, “examine the road and situation of the town” and gather “information…relative to what quantity of artillery and provisions.” While conducting their mission, the two spies learned that 14 cannons and other military supplies were hidden in Concord.

The Massachusetts Provincial Congress reconvened in Concord on March 22 and continued to make military preparations to defend the colony.

That same day in London, Edmund Burke delivered a speech, urging Parliament to “restore order” between Britain and the colonies.

Percy’s March to Watertown

By the end of March 1775, General Gage was planning to take action but was waiting for British officials in London to give him approval. The letter Lord Dartmouth sent to him in January had not yet arrived in Boston.

On March 30, he sent a large column of 1,200 British troops, led by General Hugh Percy, on a march toward Roxbury. Although the march was likely nothing more than a way to give the men some exercise, it caught the attention of Patriots and express riders were sent to raise the alarm.

By the time General Percy’s column reached Watertown, they found there were two unmanned cannons blocking their path over the bridge. Rather than run the risk of a confrontation with the militia, Percy turned the column around and returned to Boston.

In response to Percy’s march, the Provincial Congress that any time 500 or more British troops marched out of Boston an “Army of Observation” should assemble right away to “…act solely on the defensive…”

New England Restraining Act

On March 30, 1775, King George III approved the New England Restraining Act. The new law restricted New England merchants to trading with Britain, and banned fishing in the North Atlantic, starting June 1.

New England Army of Observation

About a week after General Percy’s march to Watertown, on April 8, 1775, the Provincial Congress endorsed a plan to organize the Army of Observation as a New England Army.

Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island agreed to support Massachusetts and provide troops.

On April 14, Gage finally received the letter from Lord Dartmouth, instructing him to take action and approving the use of military force. That night, the British warship Somerset was moored in the Charles River, between Boston and Charlestown.

Suspicious Movements in Boston

The next day, April 15, 1775, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress met in Concord. When the meeting adjourned, the members agreed to reconvene on May 10. While most of the members returned to their homes, Samuel Adams and John Hanco*ck went to Lexington, where they stayed with Reverend Jonas Clarke at the Hanco*ck-Clarke House.

Meanwhile, in Boston, British Grenadiers and Light Infantry were taken off duty and boats used for transporting troops were moved near the Men-of-War in the harbor. These movements were detected by the network of Patriot spies, who notified Joseph Warren.

That same day, Lord Dartmouth sent another letter to Gage, instructing him to apprehend the “…President, Secretary, and any other of the Members of the Provincial Congress, whom you shall find to have been the most forward and active in that seditious meeting…” Gage did not receive this letter until after the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Paul Revere’s First Ride to Lexington

On April 16, 1775, Joseph Warren sent Paul Revere to Lexington to warn John Hanco*ck and Samuel Adams about the suspicious movements of British troops. Hanco*ck responded by sending a message to the Patriots in Concord, instructing them to move the weapons and military supplies to other towns.

Revere and Conant Devise the Lantern Signals

Paul Revere returned to Boston but stopped in Charlestown, where he met with Colonel William Conant. Together, they decided on a signal system Revere would use to warn Conant if the British marched to Concord. The system was simple.

• If the British marched out of Boston, over Boston Neck, Revere would hang one lantern in the tower of the North Church.
• If the British troops moved over the water, across the harbor, Revere would hang two lanterns in the tower.

Dawn of the Battles of Lexington and Concord

Date and Time — April 18, morning.

When the sun rose on April 18, 1775, no one knew it was the last day Great Britain would have control of Massachusetts. Later in the day, General Gage put his plan into motion to send troops to Concord to destroy the military supplies hidden there. He started by sending nine officers, wearing coats to hide their uniforms, out to patrol the road between Lexington and Concord.

Throughout the day, preparations were made and rumors spread. According to Lieutenant Frederick MacKenzie of the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers, “The town was a good deal agitated and alarmed at this movement, as it was pretty generally known by means of seamen who came on shore from their ships, about 2 o’clock, that the
boats were ordered to be in readiness.”

Gerry Warns Adams and Hanco*ck

Date and Time — April 18, late afternoon to early evening.

The Massachusetts Committee of Safety and the Committee of Supplies met at Black Horse Tavern — also known as Newell’s Tavern and Wetherby’s Tavern — in Menotomy.

Some of the important attendees at this meeting were John Hanco*ck, William Heath, Richard Devens, Abraham Watson, Colonel Azor Orne, Colonel Jeremiah Lee, andElbridge Gerry.

After the meeting, most of the attendees returned to their homes or places they felt safe. Hanco*ck returned to Lexington while Orne, Lee, and Gerry decided to spend the night at the tavern.

Devens and Watson took a chaise back to Charlestown. On the way, they saw the British Patrol, turned around, and returned to the Tavern to let the others know.

Gerry sent an Express Rider to Lexington, with a message for Hanco*ck and Samuel Adams, warning them the British were on patrol.

Solomon Brown Discovers the British Patrol

Date and Time — April 18, 6:30 p.m.

18-year-old Solomon Brown, from Lexington, was in Boston on the 18th. As he returned home early that evening, he saw the British Patrol riding along the Bay Road.

As he passed them, he happened to see the red coats under their overcoats. Realizing they were British soldiers, Brown did not panic but made his way to Lexington.

When he arrived, he went to Munroe Tavern and reported what he had seen to Sergeant William Munroe. Munroe and the Lexington Militia were already on alert because of the warning Revere delivered on the 16th.

Munroe responded by gathering men from his militia company and ordering them to guard the Hanco*ck-Clarke House, where Samuel Adams and John Hanco*ck were staying.

The British Patrol Passes Through Lexington

Date and Time — April 18, 8:00 p.m.

The British Patrol arrived at Lexington but did not stop to arrest John Hanco*ck and Samuel Adams. Instead, the officers continued to ride west along the Bay Road, toward Lincoln and the home of Samuel Hartwell, a Sergeant in the Lincoln Militia and one of Lincoln’s Minutemen.

After the British left Lexington, members of the Lexington Militia gathered at Buckman Tavern.

The British Patrol was near Hartwell’s house when they turned their horses around and rode back toward Lexington. They were looking for a place to set up a checkpoint, so they could keep watch on the road and apprehend anyone they believed was associated with the Patriot Cause.

Gage Meets with Smith and Pitcairn

Date and Time — April 18, 8:00 p.m.

In Boston, General Gage met with Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith and Major John Pitcairn and instructed them to have their men assembled by 10:00, however, he did not tell them they were going to Concord. Gage wanted to keep the purpose of the expedition a secret for as long as possible.

Lexington Militia Gathers

Date and Time — April 18, 9:00 p.m.

By this time, roughly 30 members of the Lexington Militia, mostly Minutemen, were gathered at Buckman’s Tavern. As word spread that the British Patrol had passed through town, more members arrived. They met with Reverend Jonas Clarke and decided to send a scouting party out to observe the British patrol. Three men volunteered — Solomon Brown, Jonathan Loring, and Elijah Sanderson.

Gage Meets with Percy

Date and Time — April 18, 9:00 p.m.

About an hour after meeting with his officers, General Gage met with Hugh Percy. Gage told him he was sending Lieutenant Colonel Smith and an expedition to Concord to seize the military supplies stored there.

Lexington Scouts Arrested by the British Patrol

Date and Time — April 18, 10:00 p.m.

The scouts left Lexington and rode west toward Lincoln. A mile past the Lincoln town line, they were surprised by the British Patrol, which was hiding in the woods along the road. According to Solomon Brown, Jonathan Loring, and Elijah Sanderson, they were:

“…suddenly surprized by Nine Persons whom we took to be Regular Officers who Rode up to us Mounted and Armed each having a Pistol in His Hand, and after Putting, Pistols to our Breasts and seizing the Bridles of Our Horses, they swore that if we Stirred another Step We should be all Dead Men…” — Deposition #1.

They were detained in a pasture by the road, preventing them from returning to Lexington and raising the alarm.

British Troops Assemble

Date and Time — April 18, 10:00 p.m.

The orders General Gage gave to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith instructed him to take 700 men and march 18 miles through the Massachusetts countryside, destroy the military stores at Concord, and then return to Boston.

The orders said:

“Sir, Having received intelligence, that a quantity of Ammunition, Provision, Artillery, Tens and small arms, have been collected at Concord for the Avowed Purpose of raising and supporting a Rebellion against His Majesty, you will march with the Corps of Grenadiers and Light Infantry put under your command, with the utmost expedition and secrecy to Concord, where you will seize and destroy all artillery, Ammunition, Provisions, Tents, Small Arms, and all Military Stores whatever. But you will take care that the Soldiers do not plunder the inhabitants, or hurt private property.” — Gage’s Orders to Smith.

As Smith’s troops assembled, they were informed about the specifics of their mission. They “…were not apprised of the design, ‘till just as it was time to march, they were waked by the sergeants putting their hands on them and whispering to them.”

After they assembled, the troops marched in small groups to the Back Bay, where they boarded boats that would carry them across the water to Lechmere Point.

Although Patriot leaders believed Smith intended to capture Hanco*ck, Adams, and other members of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, this was not Gage’s intent at the time, and it was not part of his written orders to Smith.

Rumors Spread in Boston of a British Military Expedition

Date and Time — April 18, around 10:00 p.m.

Joseph Warren, head of the Patriot network in Boston, was alerted that the British Expedition was assembling. Warren sent for his Express Riders, Paul Revere and William Dawes, who were also members of the Sons of Liberty.Warren instructed them to:

1. Ride to Lexington and warn Hanco*ck and Adams.
2. Continue to Concord and warn the town the British were coming.

To improve the chances that one of them would complete the mission, Warren had them take different routes to Lexington:

1. Dawes took the land route and rode out over Boston Neck and then through Roxbury, Brookline, Cambridge, and Menotomy, before heading west to Lexington.
2. Revere took the water route and crossed over the Charles River by boat to Charlestown. From there, he rode to Medford and Menotomy, and then west to Lexington.

According to Paul Revere’s account, Dawes arrived at Warren’s first and was already on his way to Lexington by the time he met with Warren.

Percy Informs Gage the Patriots Know About the Expedition

Date and Time — April 18, around 10:00 p.m.

After meeting with General Gage, Hugh Percy was walking across Boston Common when he heard people talking about the British Expedition. Somehow, the information had leaked, and the Patriots were aware Concord was the target. Percy quickly returned to Gage and told him what he had heard.

Gage responded by issuing orders that no one was to leave Boston. Despite this, William Dawes was able to pass through the fortifications at Boston Neck, because he happened to be friends with the guard on duty and was allowed to pass.

Another rider, Ebenezer Dorr, rode to Roxbury and raised the alarm there. According to some accounts, Dorr might have been with Dawes when he crossed over Boston Neck to the mainland.

One if By Land, Two if by Sea

Date and Time — April 18, before 10:30 p.m.

Paul Revere left Joseph Warren and found Robert Newman and Captain John Pulling Jr. Revere told them the British were going to sail across the Charles River and instructed them to hang two lanterns in the bell tower of the North Church.

Newman was the sexton — caretaker — of the church, and he had the keys to the doors. Pulling was a member of the church.

Newman and Pulling snuck inside and climbed to the bell tower, which was the tallest spot in Boston at the time. They hung the lanterns for a short time — long enough to alert the Patriots in Charlestown — and then escaped.

According to Revere:

“When I got to Dr. Warren’s house, I found he had sent an express by land to Lexington — a Mr. William Daws [Dawes]. The Sunday before…I agreed with a Colonel Conant and some other gentlemen that if the British went out by water, we would show two lanthorns in the North Church steeple; and if by land, one, as a signal; for we were apprehensive it would be difficult to cross the Charles River or get over Boston Neck. I left Dr. Warren, called upon a friend and desired him to make the signals.” — from Revere’s Letter to Jeremy Belknap.

British soldiers arrested and questioned Newman after they saw the lanterns hanging in the steeple. Newman is said to have denied knowing the purpose of the lanterns.

Pulling disguised himself as a sailor and escaped from Boston. He went to Nantucket and did not return to Boston until more than a year later after British forces evacuated the city.

Revere Crosses the Charles River

Date and Time — April 18, 10:30 p.m.

Paul Revere crossed the Charles River in a rowboat with two other men, Joshua Bentley and Thomas Richardson. They covered the oars with some cloth to keep them quiet, allowing the boat to quietly slip by the British warship Somerset. When Revere arrived in Charlestown, he was met by Colonel William Conant and some other men.

Conant was a member of the Committee of Safety and was on watch. Conant told Revere he had seen the lanterns hanging in the North Church and had already sent a messenger out to warn the countryside the British were on the march to Concord. However, the identity of this messenger is unknown.

Revere borrowed a horse from Deacon John Larkin and prepared to ride to Lexington. However, just before he left, Richard Devens, who had returned from Menotomy, warned him that he had seen the British Patrol on the road earlier in the day.

The British Expedition Crosses the Charles River

Date and Time — April 18, 10:00-11:00 p.m.

The British Expedition crossed the Charles River and landed at Lechmere Point, on land owned by Richard Lechmere, a Loyalist. The location of the landing was not ideal. It was a wet, flooded marsh, which made unloading the troops difficult and slow.According to Lieutenant John Barker of the 4th Regiment of Foot:

“Last night between 10 and 11 o’clock all the Grenadiers and Light Infantry of army…embarked and were landed upon the opposite shore on Cambridge marsh; few but the commanding officers knew what expedition we were going upon. After getting over the marsh where we were wet up to the knees, we were halted in a dirty road and stood there ’till two o’clock in the morning waiting for provisions to be brought from the boats and be divided, and which most of the men threw away, having carried some ’em. At 2 o’clock we began our march…”

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

Date and Time — April 18, 11:00 p.m.

It was around 11:00 when Paul Revere left for Lexington. He planned to ride over Charlestown Neck then through Summerville and Cambridge, and on to Lexington. However, as he approached the Neck, he saw two British soldiers hiding under a tree near the road. From there, according to historian Frank Warren Coburn:

“Revere wheeled his horse and made his escape, retreating along the road to the Neck, then turning into the Mystic road, which runs over Winter Hill into Medford. There he awakened the Captain of the Minute Men, Isaac Hall, and alarmed almost if not every house on the way to Lexington. His road was through West Medford to Arlington Centre, there turning at the Cooper Tavern northwesterly towards Lexington.”

After Revere visited Medford, the militia assembled and a rider was sent to raise the alarm in Malden, however, the rider’s name is unknown.

Revere and Dawes Arrive in Lexington

Date and Time — April 19, between midnight and 12:30 a.m.

Around midnight, everyone at the Hanco*ck-Clarke House went to bed.

Paul Revere arrived in Lexington ahead of William Dawes. He went to the Hanco*ck-Clarke House and started shouting for everyone to wake up.

Sergeant William Munroe, who was one of the guards at the house by that time, ran up and told Revere to quiet down because he was making too much noise. Revere responded, “Noise! You’ll have noise enough before long. The regulars are coming out!”

John Hanco*ck heard Revere, opened a window, and said, “Come in Revere! We’re not afraid of you.” Revere delivered a message from Joseph Warren that explained the British were marching to Concord.

Dawes arrived about 30 minutes after Revere. With Hanco*ck and Samuel Adams having been warned, Revere and Dawes started their ride west to finish their mission and warn the Patriots in Concord.

Meanwhile, the alarm was raised in Lexington and word was sent to Captain John Parker, asking him to make his way to Buckman’s Tavern. Munroe also sent a rider on the road toward Cambridge to scout the size of the British Expedition.

Samuel Prescott Joins the Ride

Date and Time — April 19, between 12:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.

On the road to Concord, Paul Revere and William Dawes were joined by another rider — Doctor Samuel Prescott.

Prescott had been in Lexington that night and was returning home to Concord. According to some accounts, Prescott was visiting a woman he was courting, named Lydia Mulliken. Her brother, Nathaniel, was a Lexington Minuteman. Prescott was still at the house when Nathaniel received the message that he needed to report for duty.

Prescott agreed to join Revere and Dawes and help warn the people living along the road to Concord.

Captain John Parker Assembles the Lexington Militia

Date and Time — April 19, between 12:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.

In Lexington, Captain John Parker and approximately 130 members of the Lexington Militia assembled on Lexington Green. The roll was read by Daniel Harrington. At 1:00 a.m., the men were still there, waiting for the British Expedition to arrive.

The Midnight Ride Ends at Lincoln

Date and Time — April 19, 1:00 a.m.

Paul Revere was about 200 yards ahead of William Dawes and Samuel Prescott. They passed the boundary into Lincoln, where the British Patrol was keeping watch on the road.

Two British officers were hiding in an opening in the wall that ran along the road when they jumped out and surprised the three riders.

Revere tried to escape and rode into the nearby pasture — where he was surrounded by six more British officers.One of them yelled for Revere to stop, warning, “…or I’ll blow your brains out!”

Dawes turned his horse and fled, but fell from the horse and was unable to continue his ride. Prescott jumped his horse over a stone wall and rose to Concord.

The British detained Revere and questioned him at gunpoint. He boldly told the soldiers. “You have missed your aim!” and that he had warned the countryside of the Expedition that was marching toward Concord.

Revere was held as a prisoner with Solomon Brown, Jonathan Loring, and Elijah Sanderson. They were joined by another man who had been captured by the British that night. He was a one-armed peddler and had been walking to Concord.

Prescott Warns the Patriots in Concord

Date and Time — April 19, 1:30 a.m.

Samuel Prescott arrived in Concord and raised the alarm. Reverend William Emerson of Concord recalled:

“This morning between 1 & 2 O’clock we were alarmed by the ringing of ye bell, and upon examination found that ye troops, to ye number of 800, had stole their march from Boston in boats and barges, from ye bottom of ye common over to a point in Cambridge…This intelligence was brought us at first by Samuel Prescott who narrowly escaped the guard that were sent before on horses purposely to prevent all posts and messengers from giving us timely information…”

Barrett and the Concord Militia Assemble

Date and Time — April 19, after 1:30 a.m.

When the alarm was raised, four Concord Militia companies responded — two Minutemen companies and two regular militia companies. They assembled at the center of Concord, near the meeting house.

Colonel James Barrett, who was 65 years old, was in charge of keeping the military supplies in Concord safe. He sent small groups of militiamen to help the citizens of Concord move and hide all the supplies.

At the Barrett Farm, his wife and other family worked to remove and hide any supplies stored on Barrett’s property.

Parker Dismisses the Lexington Militia

Date and Time — April 19, after 1:30 a.m.

With no update on the approaching British Expedition, Captain John Parker dismissed the Lexington Militia but told the men to stay ready. He told them to listen for William Diamond to sound the alarm with his drum.

While some of the men departed and went home, others remained in town and gathered inside Buckman’s Tavern to stay warm.

Parker stayed in Lexington and sent more scouts out to watch the roads, however, none of them returned.

The Lexington Alarm Spreads

Date and Time — April 19, early in the morning.

The Lexington Alarm spread through the towns around Lexington and Concord.

• Billerica — The alarm reached Billerica around 2:00 a.m. on April 19. The Billerica Militia and Minutemen gathered and marched toward Concord, led by Colonel William Thompson.
• Acton — Joseph Robbins was the first person in Acton to be notified the British were marching to Concord. 13-year-old John Robbins was sent to warn Captain Isaac Davis and Captain Simon Hunt. Three Acton Militia companies responded to the Lexington Alarm.
• Bedford — Bedford was warned by messengers from Lexington, who were sent by Nathan Munroe and Benjamin Tidd, at the request of Captain John Parker. In total, it is believed that 27 Minutemen from Bedford responded to the Lexington Alarm.
• Watertown — The Watertown Militia Companies gathered at the Watertown Meeting House and debated their course of action. Michael Jackson of Newton gave a passionate speech and encouraged them to take the fight to the British.
• Westford — John Robinson, Reverend Joseph Thaxter, Captain Joshua Parker, and Private Oliver Hildreth were the first men from the Westford Militia to respond to the Lexington Alarm. Two Westford companies marched to Concord and a third joined later in the day.
• Wilmington — The news was delivered by an unnamed rider on horseback. The Wilmington Minutemen marched for Lexington and were joined by the Reading Militia and Woburn Militia. On the way, they were told the British had left and were headed to Concord, so they changed direction. During this portion of the march, they were joined by the Stoneham Militia and Billerica Militia.
• Woburn — Around 3:00 a.m., someone rode through Woburn, knocked on doors, and warned “There is an alarm — the British are coming out; and if there is any soldier in the house he must turn out and repair to Lexington as soon as possible.” Three Woburn Militia companies mustered and marched to Concord, led by Captain Walker, Captain Samuel Belknap, and Captain Jonathan Fox.

The British Expedition Starts the March to Lexington

Date and Time — April 19, 2:00 a.m.

It took roughly three hours for Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith to move his troops to Lechmere Point. Once they were assembled, it took more time to distribute food to the men, who were cold and wet from disembarking in the water.

It was 2:00 a.m. when the British Expedition finally started the march to Concord. As the men marched along the road, they could hear bells ringing, drums beating, and guns firing as Massachusetts Militia forces were called out to respond to the warning of Paul Revere, William Dawes, Samuel Prescott, and other “Midnight Riders.”

Some members of the Cambridge Milita followed the British as they marched toward Lexington.

Revere Returns to Lexington

Date and Time — April 19, 2:30 a.m.

Around 2:00 a.m., with the sounds of gunfire, rums, and bells echoing over the countryside, the British Patrol at Lincoln decided to return to Lexington with their prisoners, including Paul Revere.

The British seized their horses, forcing the prisoners to return to Lexington on foot. As the group approached Lexington, they heard gunshots. According to Revere, “When we got within sight of the Meeting-House, we heard a Volly of guns fired, as I supposed at the tavern, as an Alarm…” Revere and the others were released after answering a few more questions.

The British Patrol rode back down the road and waited for the arrival of the British Expedition from Boston.

Revere went to Reverend Jonas Clarke’s house, where he told John Hanco*ck and Samuel Adams what happened to him. Then Revere met with Clarke, Adams, Captain John Parker, and Sergeant William Munroe and they decided Hanco*ck and Adams needed to leave Lexington as soon as possible.

Revere helped Hanco*ck and Adams pack their belongings. Then Hanco*ck, Adams, Revere, and Hanco*ck’s secretary, John Lowell, climbed into a chaise — horse-drawn carriage — and rode toward Burlington, northeast of Lexington. The chaise was driven by Jonas Clarke, Reverend Clarke’s son. Sergeant Munroe led the way.

As they left, Hanco*ck said, “If I had my musket, I would never turn my back on those troops.” Hanco*ck’s fiance, Dorothy Quincy, was with him.

They were dropped off at a house in Burlington and realized Hanco*ck had left a trunk at Buckman Tavern. Revere and Lowell returned to Lexington to retrieve the trunk. Munroe also returned to Lexington.

Hanco*ck and Adams eventually continued their flight and traveled to Billerica.

The British Column Passes Through Menotomy

Date and Time — April 19, 3:00 a.m.

Although the three members of the Committee of Safety — Colonel Azor Orne, Colonel Jeremiah Lee, and Elbridge Gerry — were aware of the potential danger, they remained at the Black Horse Tavern.

While they were sleeping, the British Expedition approached the tavern. Someone woke them up and warned them. They fled out the back door of the tavern.

While the British marched by, they hid in a field, still wearing their bedclothes.

Smith Sends Percy Ahead and Asks for Reinforcements

Date and Time — April 19, between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m.

Sometime after passing the Black Horse Tavern, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith made two critical decisions:

1. He sent Major John Pitcairn and six companies of Light Infantry ahead, so they could seize the bridges in Concord.
2. He sent a messenger back to Boston with a request for General Gage, asking him to send reinforcements.

The Lexington Alarm Reaches Sudbury

Date and Time — April 19, between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m.

The Lexington Alarm reached Sudbury sometime between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. The Sudbury Companies mustered and marched to Concord. The Sudbury Militia Companies were led by Captain Aaron Haynes, Captain Joseph Smith, and Captain Moses Stone, and the Sudbury Minuteman Companies were led by Captain John Nixon and Captain Nathaniel Cudworth.

Gage Musters Reinforcements

Date and Time — April 19, 4:00 a.m.

Around this time, General Gage issued orders for General Hugh Percy to assemble the 1st Brigade and march to Concord to support Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith’s Expedition.

Around this time, Simon Winship was apprehended by British troops and forced to “…march in the midst of the Body and being Examined whether he had been warning the Minute Men he answered no, but had been out, and was then returning to his fathers…” — Deposition #3.

William Diamond Sounds the Alarm in Lexington

Date and Time — April 19, 4:30 a.m.

A Patriot scout, Thaddeus Bowman, was keeping watch on the road between Menotomy and Lexington. The British Expedition was roughly one and a half miles away when he saw them. He immediately rode to Lexington and warned Captain John Parker the British were on their way.

Parker ordered his drummer, William Diamond, to beat the call to arms. The Lexington Militia responded and returned to Lexington Green.

Nathaniel Mullikin and Philip Russell were members of the Lexington Militia. They testified it was around 5:00 when “…hearing our drum beat we proceeded towards the Parade and soon found that a Large body of troops were marching towards us…” — Deposition #7.

Nathaniel Parkhurst and others also testified they heard the drum beat “…about five o clock in the morning…” — Deposition #8.

According to Richard Frothingham, the Lexington Militia was part of the “constitutional army” organized by the Massachusetts Provincial Congress.

Revere Rescues Hanco*ck’s Trunk

Date and Time — April 19, between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.

Paul Revere and John Lowell arrived at Buckman Tavern in Lexington to retrieve John Hanco*ck’s trunk, which was on the second floor.

Revere and Lowell were told the British were on the road. They went upstairs to retrieve the trunk and, looking out the window, saw the British Expedition approaching.

They grabbed the trunk, left the tavern, and passed by Captain John Parker and his men, who were assembled on Lexington Green. According to Revere, he heard Parker say: “Let the troops pass by, and don’t molest them, with out they begin first.” — from Revere’s Deposition.

The Battle of Lexington — Let it Begin Here

Date and Time — April 19, 5:00 a.m.

The British Expedition stopped about a half mile east of Lexington, at Vine Brook, to load their muskets. When they were done, the march resumed, with Major John Pitcairn at the head of the column.

Thomas Willard was visiting Lexington that morning. Willard testified that he saw “…about four hundred…regulars in one Body, coming up the road, and marched toward the north part of the common back of the meeting house…” — Deposition #2.

John Robins, a member of the Lexington Militia who was wounded in the battle, said he estimated the number of British troops to be “…About a Thousand…” — Deposition #5.

As the British marched into Lexington, they saw roughly 80 men, with weapons, assembled on the Green, out in the open. Most were from the Lexington Militia, but a handful, including Sylvanus Wood, were from Woburn.

According to legend, Captain John Parker told his men, “Stand your ground, do not fire unless fired upon,” Parker told his men. “If they mean to have a war, let it begin here.”

In his April 26 report to General Gage, Major Pitcairn said:

“When I arrived at the head of the advance Company, two officers came and informed me, that a man of the rebels advanced from those that were assembled, had presented his musket and attempted to shoot them, but the piece flashed in the pan. On this I gave directions to the troops to move forward, but on no account to fire, or even attempt it without orders; when I arrived at the end of the Village, I observed drawn up upon a Green near 200 rebels; when I came within about 100 yards of them, they began to file off towards some stone walls on our right flank.”

A shot was fired, and the British Light Infantry rushed at the Lexington Militia with their bayonets fixed, firing as they attacked Captain John Parker and his men. Most of the militia fled from the Green, but a few returned fire.

William Draper was visiting Lexington and testified “…the Commanding Officer of the troops (as I took him) gave the command to the troops to ‘fire! Fire! Dam you fire!’…” — Deposition #11.

Another eyewitness, Timothy Fessenden, testified that a British officer brandished his sword and “…pointed it Down towards said Militia, and immediately on which the said Regulars fired a Volley at the Militia…” — Deposition #12.

When order was restored, the British reformed the column and resumed the march to Concord. However, eight Americans were killed in the brief skirmish, and 10 more were wounded.

Timothy Smith of Lexington said he witnessed “…eight of the Lexington-men who were killed & lay bleeding at a considerabele distance from each other; and several were wounded…” — Deposition #9.

Levi Mead and Levi Harrington also testified that “…Eight men belonging to said Company were Killed and several wounded…” — Deposition #10.

After the British marched away, Captain Parker gathered his men and planned to engage the British column when it returned later in the day. In his sworn testimony, Parker recalled:

“I…ordered our Militia to meet on the common in said Lexington, to consult what to do, and concluded not to be discovered, nor meddle or make with said Regular Troops (if they should approach) unless they should insult us; and upon their sudden approach, I immediately ordered our Militia to disperse and not to fire. Immediately said Troops made their appearance, and rushed furiously, fired upon and killed eight of our party, without receiving any provocation therefore from us.” — Deposition #4.

Benjamin Tidd of Lexington and Joseph Abbot witnessed the British firing on the Lexington Militia. They testified that “…the regulars fired first a few guns which we took to be pistols from some of the Regulars who were mounted on horses and then the said Regulars fired a volley or two before any guns were fired by the Lexington Company…” — Deposition #6.

Soon after the British left, more militiamen from Woburn arrived, led by Major Loammi Baldwin. The Woburn men were close enough to Lexington that they could hear the battle during their march and rushed to the aid of Captain Parker and his men, but they arrived too late.

The Woburn Militia helped tend to the wounded and then marched west in pursuit of the British. However, they did not march along the Bay Road, they passed through the countryside to avoid coming into direct contact with the British.

Militia Forces Gather in Concord

Date and Time — April 19, 6:00 a.m.

By 6:00 a.m., two militia companies from Lincoln had joined the four Concord companies. Meanwhile, militia from Bedford and Acton were en route to Concord, along with men from other towns who moved out ahead of their local militia companies.

As the sun rose, Reuben Brown, who had been out scouting for the approaching British Expedition, rode into Concord and warned everyone that he had seen the British in Lexington and they had fired their guns. However, Brown could not verify if the shots were simply warning shots or if anyone had been killed.

Meanwhile, some of the militiamen from Lincoln were in Concord and decided to march toward Lexington to meet the British. Captain William Smith and Captain Samuel Farrar led them.

Captain Jonas Minot took another group of men and occupied the hill where Concord’s Liberty was standing, on the north side of the road into Concord.

The British Arrive in Concord

Date and Time — April 19, 7:00 a.m.

The British Expedition was about a quarter of a mile long and approached Concord around 7:00. The Lincoln Militia saw they were outnumbered about three to one, and retreated toward Concord, meanwhile, the remaining militia forces moved along a ridge above the town to Punkatasset Hill, about a mile north of Concord.

Private Thaddeus Blood, a militiaman under the command of Captain Nathan Barrett, described the situation as:

“…we were then formed, the minute (men) on the right, & Capt. Barrett’s (militia company) on the left, & marched in order to the end of Meriam’s hill then so called & saw the British troops a coming down Brooks Hill. The sun was arising & shined on their arms & they made a noble appearance in their red coats & glistening arms…”

From Punkatasset Hill, the Massachusetts Militia waited for more reinforcements and watched the British assemble in Concord.

British Forces Search for Military Supplies in Concord

Date and Time — April 19, 7:30 a.m.

Per his orders from General Gage, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith sent contingents to secure the North Bridge and the South Bridge. Gage’s orders said, “You will observe…that it will be necessary to secure the two bridges as soon as possible…”

Smith also sent 7 of his 10 companies across the North Bridge with orders to go to the Barrett Farm and search for supplies. The farm was approximately a mile west of the bridge.

Some of the other British companies guarded the North Bridge to make sure the search party was able to cross back over the bridge when they were finished. Altogether, about 100 British troops were guarding the North Bridge.

The Lexington Alarm Continues to Spread

• Framingham — The alarm arrived in Framingham before 8:00. Within an hour, most of the men in the Framingham Militia Companies were on their way to Concord.
• Chelmsford — The alarm arrived in Chelmsford around 8:00. It was delivered by a rider from Billerica. However, the Chelmsford Militia Companies were already on their way to Concord, led by Captain Oliver Barren and Captain Moses Parker.
• Beverly — The alarm arrived in Beverly between 8:00 and 9:00. Captain Samuel Eppes of South Danvers rode to Salem to warn Colonel Timothy Pickering. The first Beverly Militiamen to respond were from the Second Foot Company of Militia, under the command of Captain Ebenezer Francis. These men lived near Danvers and joined with the Danvers Minutemen, led by Captain Israel Hutchinson.

British Search the Barrett Farm

Date and Time — April 19, 8:00 a.m.

120 British light infantry soldiers, led by Captain Lawrence Parsons, arrived at the Barrett Farm. Colonel James Barrett was with the militia on Punkatasset Hill, but his wife, Rebecca, was home. Parsons ordered his men to search the house, buildings, and grounds, and Rebecca served breakfast to the British officers. The British failed to find any military stores at the Barrett Farm.

The Lexington Alarm Reaches Danvers, Needham, and Dedham

Date and Time — April 19, around 9:00 a.m.

The alarm reached Danvers around 9:00, when an unidentified horseman rode into town, shouting, “There’s a battle at Lexington! We have met the British! Hurry to help!” According to official records, eight militia companies from Danvers responded to the Lexington Alarm. They were commanded by Captain Samuel Epes, Captain Samuel Flint, Captain Israel Hutchinson, Captain David Lowe, Captain Jeremiah Page, Captain Asa Prince, Captain Edmund Putnam, and Captain John Putnam.

The alarm was received in West Needham at Bullard’s Tavern, and given to Ephraim Bullard, who fired a gun on Bullard’s Hill. 9-year-old Abel Benson arrived from Framingham and helped spread the alarm by riding eastward through Needham and blowing his trumpet. By 9:00, another rider reached East Needham. The Needham Minutemen and two militia companies mustered and responded to the alarm.

The alarm arrived in Dedham around 9:00. The messenger came from Needham, but the name is unknown. Six Militia Companies from Dedham gathered and marched toward Concord. Two more followed later in the day.

The First Muster

Date and Time — April 19, 9:00 a.m.

By 9:00, the militia companies from Bedford and Acton had arrived on Punkatasset Hill and the Massachusetts Militia numbered around 400 men. Soon after, the militia moved from Punkatasset Hill to the high ground overlooking the North Bridge. Around 9:30, the Chelmsford Militia started to arrive.

Lieutenant Joseph Hosmer organized the militiamen that were present — from all the towns — into lines. This is known as the First Muster of American military forces.

At that point, the British troops guarding the North Bridge were on the west side of the Concord River, the same as the Massachusetts Militia.

Meanwhile, in Concord, British regulars set fire to the supplies they had found. The smoke rose above the rooftops where it was easily seen by the Militia on the west side of the North Bridge. Believing the British were burning the town, Lieutenant Joseph Hosmer questioned his commanding officers by saying, “Will you let them burn the town down?”

A building did catch on fire, but the British helped put it out after an elderly woman, Martha Moulton, asked them to help.

After Hosmer challenged the officers, Colonel James Barrett decided to take action by moving down to the North Bridge to engage the British. However, he cautioned his men, saying, “Do not fire unless first fired upon…”

At that point, the Massachusetts Militia started to march toward the North Bridge.

British Reinforcements Leave Boston

Date and Time — April 19, 9:00 a.m.

Around 9:00, General Hugh Percy and his column of 1,000 troops left Boston to reinforce Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith. Percy hoped to join Smith as soon as possible. To speed up his march, he decided to move ahead and leave his supply wagons behind with a small contingent of soldiers to help guard them.

10-year-old Harrison Gray Otis, who became a prominent member of the Federalist Party, witnessed these troops as they marched through Brookline, playing “Yankee Doodle.” He wrote:

“On the 19th April 1775, I went to school for the last time. In the morning, about seven o’clock, Percy’s brigade was drawn up, extending from Scollay’s buildings, through Tremont Street, and nearly to the bottom of the Mall, preparing to take up their march to Lexington. A corporal came up to me as I was going to school and turned me off to pass down Court Street, which I did and came up School Street to the schoolhouse. It may well be imagined what great agitation prevailed, — the British line being drawn up a few yards from the school-house door.”

Three militia companies from Brookline responded to the Lexington Alarm. They were under the command of Colonel Thomas Aspinwall, Major Isaac Gardner, and Captain Thomas White.

The Battle of Concord — The Shot Heard ‘Round the World

Date and Time — April 19, 9:30 a.m.

As the Americans approached the North Bridge, the British retreated and crossed over to the east side of the river. They assembled and prepared to engage the Americans.

When the Americans were about 80 yards from the British, the British fired three warning shots. All three struck the water, to the right of the American column.

One of the Americans, Luther Blanchard of Acton, shouted that he was wounded.

At that moment, Major John Buttrick of Concord became the first American officer to order his men to fire on British troops when he shouted “Fire, fellow-soldiers! For God’s sake, fire!”

The Americans fired and the British returned fire of their own.

Captain Isaac Davis and Private Abner Hosmer, both from Acton, were killed. Four other Americans were wounded.

On the British side, four of their eight officers were wounded. As the Americans advanced, the British broke ranks and fled to Concord. According to various accounts, including Frothingham, a British soldier was “cruelly killed by a hatchet.” Frothingham says this was committed by a young man, and was the source of rumors the Americans scalped some of the dead British troops.

Following the engagement, the Americans left the North Bridge and moved to a hill overlooking the road to the Barrett Farm.

Ralph Waldo Emerson memorialized the moment the Americans fired on the British in his poem, Concord Hymn:

“By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood
And fired the shot heard round the world.”

The Legend of Israel Bissell

Date and Time — April 19, 10:00 a.m.

On the night of April 18, General William Heath attended the meeting of the Committee of Safety in Menotomy, west of Boston. However, he rode home to Roxbury that night, instead of staying at the Black Horse Tavern. At dawn, a messenger arrived at his house and told him the British were marching west.

Heath returned to Menotomy where the Committee of Safety was meeting. The Committee was working on a message for an express rider, Israel Bissell, to deliver to the towns west of Boston.The message said:

“To all Friends of American Liberty, let it be known that this morning before break of day, a Brigade of 1000 to 1200 men marched to Lexington. The bearer, Israel Bissell, is charged to alarm the country and all persons are desired to furnish him with fresh horses.”

Bissell left Watertown around 10:00 and rode west. When he reached Worcester, nearly 40 miles away, his horse collapsed and died. He was given another horse, and he rode to Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He finally ended his ride at Philadelphia on April 24.

Everywhere he went, more riders joined him and the news of the Battles of Lexington and Concord spread, reaching as far south as Williamsburg, Virginia on April 25.

A detailed article by J.L. Bell indicates the story of Israel Bissell is largely legend, based on the exploits of 26-year-old Isaac Bissell.

The British Search Party Returns to Concord

Date and Time — April 19, 11:00 a.m.

Captain Lawrence Parsons led his men back over the North Bridge and returned to Concord.

The British Prepare to Return to Boston

Date and Time — April 19, Noon.

Despite the skirmish at the North Bridge, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith and his men had completed their mission as best they could. Smith organized his men and gathered carts to transport the wounded.

Around noon, the British Expedition started to march east toward Boston. At this point, the column extended for roughly one-third of a mile, making it difficult to defend. Smith placed flanking parties on both sides of the column.

However, the American forces gathered around Concord increased in size as reinforcements arrived, and, as Private Thaddeus Blood said, “……it was thot best to go to the east part of the Town & take them as they came back…”

The Battle Road Begins

Date and Time — April 19, Noon

American forces started to gather at the top of Brooks Hill, just southeast of Concord. The first to arrive were Major Loammi Baldwin and the men from Woburn, who stopped there to rest.

Meanwhile, British forces were marching from Concord, toward Brooks Hill, and were close to Meriam’s Corner, outside of Concord.

Today, the route from Meriam’s Corner to Fiske Hill, west of Lexington, is known as the Battle Road.

Meriam’s Corner — The First American Offensive

Date and Time — April 19, 12:30 p.m.

American and British forces converged on Meriam’s Corner, about a mile east of the center of Concord.

Captain John Brooks and his company from Reading were the first Americans to arrive. They took defensive positions behind houses and barns near the intersection and were eventually joined by militia companies from Chelmsford, and Billerica.

When the British Expedition came to Elm Brook, it had to cross a narrow bridge. To do this, the flanking parties were pulled in, which exposed the main column and slowed their march.

When Captain Brooks realized the British were marching toward him, he ordered his men to fire, marking the first offensive action taken by Americans in the war.

Ensign Jeremy Lister of the 10th Regiment of Foot said:

“On Capt. Parsons joining us begun our march toward Boston again from Concord. The Light Infantry marched over a hill above the town, the Grenadiers through the town, immediately as we descended the hill into the Road the Rebels begun a brisk for but at so great a distance it was without effect, but as they kept marching nearer when the Grenadiers found them within shot they returned their fire. Just about that time I received a shot through my right elbow joint which effectually disabled that arm. It then became a general firing upon us from all quarters, from behind hedges and wall…”

Lieutenant John Barker said, “…before we had gone half a mile we were fired on from all sides, but mostly from the rear, where people had hid themselves in houses, ‘till we had passed and then fired…”

Meanwhile, the American militia companies that had fought at the North Bridge earlier — Concord, Lincoln, Bedford, and Acton — trailed the British Expedition, harassing it from the rear.

As the British passed by Meriam’s Corner, the militia from Reading, Chelmsford, and Billerica joined the pursuit.

Brooks Hill

Date and Time — April 19, 1:00 p.m.

About an hour after stopping at Brooks Hill (Hardy’s Hill) to rest, Major Loammi Baldwin and the Woburn Militia learned the British Expedition was headed in their direction. Baldwin organized his men and pulled them back, east of Brooks Hill, toward Lexington.

Meanwhile, militia companies from Framingham and Sudbury arrived in the area of Brooks Hill and assembled on the south side of the Bay Road. There were two companies from Sudbury — a Minuteman company led by Captain Nathaniel Cudworth and a militia company led by Captain Joseph Smith.

As the British passed by Brooks Hill, the Sudbury and Framingham militia companies joined the battle and fired on the right side of the British column.

From Brooks Hill, the road went slightly southeast and then made a sharp turn to the left at the Old Bedford Road. From there, it went northeast to Elm Brook Hill.

The Bloody Angle at Elm Brook Hill

Date and Time — April 19, 1:30 p.m.

Major Loammi Baldwin and the Woburn Militia took positions at Elm Brook Hill and waited to ambush the British Expedition. Altogether, three militia companies, consisting of about 200 men, prepared to engage the British Expedition, as it approached Lincoln Bridge to cross over Tanner Brook.

As the British marched down the east slope of Brook’s Hill, the Woburn Militia opened fire and followed the column, firing on the British from behind walls and trees.

Major Baldwin said:

“We came to Tanner Brook, at Lincoln Bridge, and concluded to scatter and make use of the trees and walls for to defend us and attack them. We pursued on flanking them…I had several good shots. The enemy left many dead and wounded and a few tired…”

Lieutenant William Sutherland, a British officer, believed at least 1,000 Americans were firing on the column from both sides. Sutherland said:

“Upon a height to my right hand a vast number of armed men drawn out in battalia order, I dare say near 1000 who on our coming nearer dispersed into the wood, & came as close to the road on our flanking parties as they possibly could, upon our ascending the height to the road gave us a very heavy fire, but some shot from the left hand drew my attention that way when I saw a much larger body drawn up to the left…”

At least eight British soldiers were killed at the location known as the “Bloody Angle.”

The Old Men of Menotomy

Date and Time — April 19, 1:30 p.m.

Earlier that morning in Menotomy, as the alarm spread, a group of elderly men gathered at Cooper Tavern and decided to take action against the British. They chose David Lamson to lead them and they set up an ambush of General Hugh Percy’s supply wagons.

The wagons were passing through Menotomy around 1:30 when Lamson stepped into the road and told the drivers to stop and surrender.

The drivers abandoned their wagons and tried to flee. Lamson and his men responded by opening fire, killing some of the drivers and the horses pulling the wagons.

One of the men who helped capture the wagons was Ammi Cutter. Later in the afternoon, Cutter helped fight the British with his neighbor, Jason Russell.

Lamson and the other men who captured the wagons are referred to as the “Old Men of Menotomy.”

Parker’s Revenge

Date and Time — April 19, 1:45 p.m.

Around mid-morning in Lexington, Captain John Parker gathered his men and headed west toward Concord, determined to engage the British Expedition on its way back to Boston.

Parker selected a location west of Lexington, near the border of Lincoln, and set up an ambush. He took a position on a spot of rising ground that provided a view of the road, overlooking a narrow bridge the British would have to cross. Parker and his men hid in the thick woods and behind large boulders.

As the British Expedition started to cross the narrow bridge, Parker and his men opened fire. Nathan Munroe, a soldier in the Lexington Militia, said:

“About the middle of the forenoon Captain Parker having collected part of his company, I being with them, determined to meet the regulars on their retreat from Concord. We met the regulars in the bounds of Lincoln. We fired on them and continued so to do until they met their reinforcement in Lexington.”

The Bloody Bluff

Date and Time — April 19, between 1:30–2:00 p.m.

By this time, more than 1,000 Americans were engaged in the pursuit of the British Expedition.

The British Expedition passed the Whittemore House and Bull Tavern (also known as Benjamin’s Tavern), west of Lexington. Some men from the British Rear Guard climbed an outcropping of rocks to see the movements of the American Militia following them.

From there, the British saw the Americans moving toward Bull Tavern, threatening the rear of the Expedition. The Rear Guard on the outcropping of rocks opened fire on the Americans as the Expedition started to march up Fiske Hill.

Reverend Edmund Foster, a member of the Reading Militia, was near Bull Tavern when the British opened fire. Foster said:

“…a man rode up on horse back unarmed. The enemy were then passing round the hill just below the tavern. They had posted a small body of their troops on the north side of the hill, which fired upon us. The horse and his rider fell instantly to the ground; the horse died immediately, but the man received no injury. We were quick at the spot, from which we returned the fire…”

The Rear Guard on the outcropping of rocks was outnumbered and withdrew. As they descended, Americans fired on them from behind rocks, trees, and fences on Fiske Hill.

This location on the Battle Road is known as the “Bloody Bluff,” because so many British troops were killed or wounded at this location.

Fiske Hill

Date and Time — April 19, between 1:45–2:15 p.m.

The British Expedition was just outside of Lexington, where it had to march up and over Fiske Hill, near the farm of Ebenezer Fiske. By this time, the British were exhausted and running low on ammunition.

At some point between Concord and the Bloody Bluff, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith was wounded, forcing Major John Pitcairn to assume command of the British forces.

Reverend Edmond Foster said:

“The enemy were then rising and passing over Fiske’s Hill. An officer, mounted on an elegant horse, and with a drawn sword in his hand, was riding backwards and forwards, commanding and urging on the British troops. A number of Americans behind a pile of rails raised their guns and fired with deadly effect. The officer fell, and the horse took fright, leaped the wall, and ran directly towards those who had killed his rider. The enemy discharged their musketry in that direction, but their fire took no effect.”

According to legend, the mounted rider Reverend Foster referred to was Major Pitcairn. When Pitcairn’s horse ran off, it carried his matching silver pistols, which were still in their holsters. While Pitcairn was given another horse to ride, his horse was captured by the Americans. His silver pistols were taken and eventually ended up in the hands of General Israel Putnam.

Meanwhile, some British soldiers went looking for water near the house of Ebenezer Fiske. One of them went inside the house and then, as he came out, James Hayward from the Acton Militia confronted him. According to legend, the British soldier yelled “You are a dead man!” at Hayward, who responded, “And so are you!” Both men fired. The British soldier was killed instantly, and Hayward was mortally wounded. Hayward died the next day.

Percy Arrives and the British Rest at Lexington

Date and Time — April 19, 3:00 p.m.

The British Expedition was about a half mile east of Lexington when General Hugh Percy arrived with reinforcements. Lieutenant John Barker, from the 4th Regiment of Foot, said:

“The country was an amazing strong one, full of hills, woods, stone walls &c., which the Rebels did not fail to take advantage of, for they were all lined with people who kept an incessant fire upon us, as we did too upon them but not with the same advantage, for they were so concealed there was hardly any seeing them. In this way we marched between 9 and 10 miles, their numbers increasing from all parts while ours was reducing by deaths, wounds and fatigue, and were were totally surrounded by such an incessant fire as it’s impossible to conceive, our ammunition was likewise near expended. In this critical situation we perceived the 1st Brigade coming to our assistance…”

Percy had his artillery open fire on the advancing Americans, forcing them to scatter. The British Expedition stopped in Lexington to rest and tend to the wounded, who were cared for inside Munroe Tavern.

Heath and Warren Join the Fight

Date and Time — April 19, 3:00 p.m.

Soon after General Hugh Percy and his men met with the British Expedition, General William Heath and Dr. Joseph Warren arrived to aid the Americans. Both had been at Menotomy when the Committee of Safety met earlier in the morning.

While both had been appointed to the rank of General by the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, General Heath took command. On his way to Lexington, he encountered militia at Watertown, who asked for orders. Heath:

“…sent them down to Cambridge, with directions to take up the planks, barricade the south end of the bridge, and there to take post; that, in case the British should, on their return, take that road to Boston, their retreat might be impeded. He then pushed to join the militia, taking a cross road towards Lexington, in which he was joined by Dr. Joseph Warren…”

Before riding off to Lexington, Joseph Warren told a friend in Boston, “They have begun it. That, either party can do; and we’ll end it — that only one can do.”

Heath gathered some of the men who had been scattered by the British artillery, formed a regiment, and prepared to join the pursuit of the British. He sent some of his men ahead of the British Expedition and told them to take positions along the road, including any empty houses they could find.

While the British were in Boston, they set fire to buildings, including houses, shops, and a barn.

The British March Resumes

Date and Time — April 19, 3:30 p.m.

With Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith and Colonel John Pitcairn wounded, General Hugh Percy took command of the British Expedition, which had grown to around 1,600 men.

The wounded men, including Lieutenant Colonel Smith, and the exhausted men who had marched on Concord, were placed at the front of the column. The artillery followed them and they were followed by the fresh troops, including the Royal Welch Fusiliers, who formed the Rear Guard.

General Percy also sent two flanking parties to defend each side of the column. The men in those regiments fanned out to engage the Americans along the road. Lieutenant Frederick MacKenzie said:

“…our Regiment received orders to form the rear guard. We immediately lined the walls and other cover in our front with some marksmen, and retired from the right of companies by files to the high ground a small distance in our rear, where we again formed in line, and remained in that position for near half an hour, during which time the flank companies, and the other regiments of the Brigade began their march in one column on the road towards Cambridge… before the column had advanced a mile on the road, we were fired at from all quarters, but particularly from the houses on the roadside, and the adjacent stone walls…”

The Battle of Menotomy Starts at the Foot of the Rocks

Date and Time — April 19, 4:00-4:30 p.m.

The British Expedition marched up and over Pierce’s Hill into Menotomy.There was a crossroads on the west side of the town where American forces had been gathering all day. They had come from Middlesex County, east of town, and Essex County, south of town.

By the time the British arrived, more than 30 militia companies were waiting for them. This does not include the companies following them along the road on the sides and behind.

At the bottom of the hill outside Menotomy, there was a long stretch of road between the “Foot of the Rocks” and Spy Pond. Stone walls, houses, and barns lined both sides of the road and the Americans were behind every wall and inside nearly every building.

General Hugh Percy had the British artillery fire on the Americans at his rear, forcing them to scatter. However, the battle quickly intensified as militia companies from various towns joined the fight, including Watertown, Medford, Malden, Dedham, Needham, Lynn, Beverly, Danvers, Roxbury, Brookline, and Menotomy.

General Heath’s account of the fight at the Foot of the Rocks said:

“On descending from the high grounds in Menotomy, on to the plain, the fire was brisk. At this instant, a musket-ball came so near to the head of Dr. Warren as to strike the pin out of his ear lock. Soon after the right flank of the British was exposed to the fire of a body of militia which had come in from Roxbury, Brookline, Dorchester &c. For a few minutes the fire was brisk on both sides; and the British had here recourse to their field pieces again; but they were now more familiar than before…”

Near the Foot of the Rocks, Dr. Eliphalet Downer of Roxbury fought a British soldier in hand-to-hand combat. During the struggle, the soldier dropped his rifle. Dr. Drowner picked it up and killed the soldier with the bayonet.

The historical marker at the Foot of the Rocks says:

“British troops in retreat from bloody first skirmishes at Lexington and Concord were here opposed by colonial forces gathering from four counties and thirty towns. More men fell at the foot of the rocks and on the plains of Menotomy than in every other locale through which the adversary forces fought that long day, April 19, 1775.”

During the battle, Joseph Warren was nearly seriously wounded when a musket ball grazed him.

The Jason Russell House

Date and Time — April 19, 5:30 p.m.

As the British Expedition marched through Menotomy, the area became more congested with homes. A British officer recalled it as being “one continuous village.”

General Hugh Percy ordered his flanking parties to move from house to house to clear the path for the main column. His men responded by ransacking houses, looting them, and setting some on fire.

Earlier in the day, 59-year-old Jason Russell and his family had fled from their home. However, Russell, who had a bad leg, returned, determined to protect his house. According to legend, Russell told his neighbor, Ammi Cutter, he intended to defend it, because “An Englishman’s home is his castle.”

As the British approached, American militiamen from Beverly, Danvers, Lynne, Salem, Dedham, and Needham took positions around the house and in Russell’s orchard. Russel and Cutter joined them while they waited for the British to march into sight.

Lieutenant Gideon Foster from Dedham and his men were behind a stone wall at Russell’s house. Although someone tried to warn Lieutenant Foster about the British flanking parties, he placed his men close to the road so they could fire on the main column.

As the Expedition approached the Russell House, British troops from the flanking parties attacked the Americans, including Russell and Cutter. The attack was furious and the Americans fled for safety. Cutter hid behind a pile of wood and others, including Russell, ran to the house.

Russell was shot and fell on the doorstep where British soldiers bayoneted him several times. Perley Putnam of the Danvers Militia was also killed outside the house. Some militiamen ran into the cellar for cover but the British followed them and an intense firefight ensured.

12 Americans, including Russell, and two British soldiers, were killed at the Jason Russell House.

The Bloodiest Half Mile of the Battle Road

Between the Russell House and Cooper Tavern, it is believed that 20 British soldiers were killed. Altogether, around 40 British soldiers were killed in Menotomy during the Battles of Lexington and Concord — which accounted for more than half their number killed. Around 25 Americans were killed during the Battle of Menotomy — nearly half the number killed during the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

British Atrocities in Menotomy

The British entered Cooper Tavern, where they killed two unarmed men. The owners, Benjamin and Rachel Cooper said they “…escaped for our lives into the cellar…” — Deposition #23.

British troops also entered the home of Decon John Adams and Hannah Adams. Mrs. Adams was in her bed, having recently given birth when a soldier threatened her with his bayonet. She left the house with her children and then watched as the British set fire to it. — Deposition #22.

Samuel Whittemore

81-year-old Samuel Whittemore was also waiting in Menotomy for the British Expedition.

Whittemore saw the British march through in the morning on their way to Concord. While his wife fled from their home, Whittemore, a military veteran, oiled his musket and pistols and sharpened his sword. According to legend, Whittemore said, “If I can only be the instrument of killing one my country’s foes, I shall die in peace.”

Whittemore was hiding behind a stone wall near Cooper Tavern when the British came into sight. He fired on them and killed one. However, the smoke from his gun gave away his hiding place and some British moved toward him.

Whittemore killed two before he was attacked. The British clubbed him with their muskets and then stabbed him with their bayonets. Whittemore was wounded at least six times, and some accounts say it was as many as 13 times.

One of the soldiers said, “We have killed the old rebel.” Then they rejoined the British Expedition and resumed the march to Boston.

Around four hours later, Whittemore was found. He was still alive and taken inside Cooper Tavern where the doctor from Medford examined him and said nothing could be done for him because his wounds were too severe.

However, Whittemore not only recovered but lived for nearly 17 years. He died on February 1, 1783, at the age of 96.

While he was recovering, his wife is said to have asked him if he regretted joining in the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Whittemore said, “No! I would run the same chance again.”

According to his obituary, “His hat and clothes were shot through in many places; yet he survived to see the complete overthrow of his enemies, and his country enjoy all the blessings of peace and independence.”

Watson’s Corner

Date and Time — April 19, 6:00 p.m.

As the British Expedition marched out of Menotomy, General Hugh Percy sent the Royal Marines to the rear, replacing the Welch Fusiliers as the Rear Guard.

The battle continued to the Menotomy River, which was called Alewife Brook at the time, and continued to Waston’s Corner in Cambridge.

At Watson’s Corner, a group of militiamen hid behind empty casks in the yard of Jacob Watson, a blacksmith. However, the Americans were ambushed and four men were killed — Major Isaac Gardner of Brookline, along with Moses Richardson, John Hicks, and William Marcy of Cambridge.

• Richardson and Hicks had been involved with the Patriot Cause, and are known to have been the only residents of Cambridge to participate in the Boston Tea Party.
• According to legend, Marcy was not a participant in the battle. He was simply observing the battle when British troops attacked and killed him.

However, the rest of Major Gardner’s Brookline Militia were blocking the road in front of the British column. They hoped to force General Percy to return to Boston by marching south through Cambridge and over the Charles River — the same route he had taken in the morning when he went to reinforce the Expedition at Lexington.

Per General William Heath’s orders from earlier in the day, the Cambridge Militia had removed the planks from the bridge and built a barricade. If Percy took the route through Cambridge and over the Charles River, he would be trapped at the river, surrounded by American forces, and likely forced to surrender.

Percy Decides to March to Charlestown

Date and Time — April 19, before 6:30 p.m.

General Hugh Percy’s men were exhausted and running low on ammunition. It is believed Percy intended to end his march at Cambridge Common and set up camp on the grounds of Harvard College.

However, Percy decided to turn north to Charlestown, anticipating the bridge at Cambridge was guarded by Americans.According to historian Frank Warren Coburn:

“Percy deemed it wise to hurry on to Charlestown, trusting that Gen. Gage would have an ample force there to receive and protect him. It was several miles nearer, and with no possibility of dismantled bridges to reconstruct, for his troops to pass over.”

Somerville and Prospect Hill

Date and Time — April 19, around 6:30–7:00 p.m.

The British Expedition entered Somerville and several troops were killed near the Tufts House, on the west side of the town.

From Prospect Hill, which was north of the road, American forces fired on the British as they passed by. They also blocked the road in front of the British.

General Hugh Percy stopped his march and ordered the artillery to fire at the militia blocking the road. Although no Americans were killed, they scattered, allowing the British to resume their march.

Meanwhile, a British soldier entered the house of Samuel Shed. He was occupied with looting the house and failed to realize the British column had passed through. When he was spotted by the militia, they fired on him through a window and killed him.

Just past the center of town, heading east, 66-year-old James Miller of Charlestown was firing on the British from Prospect Hill. Miller refused to leave his position, even though the British saw him. He was shot 13 times and died from his wounds. Miller was the only American killed in Somerville during the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Charlestown Neck

Date and Time — April 19, 7:00 p.m

Around the time the sun set that evening, General Hugh Percy and the British Expedition were approaching Charlestown Neck.

Percy did not know a militia regiment from Salem, led by Colonel Timothy Pickering, was on its way. According to General William Heath:

“At this instant and officer on horseback came up from the Medford road, and inquired the circ*mstances of the enemy, adding that about 700 men were close behind on their way from Salem to join the militia. Had these arrived a few minutes sooner the left flank of the British must have been greatly exposed and suffered considerably; perhaps their retreat would have been cut off.”

Colonel Pickering and his men arrived on Winter Hill in Somerville, about a half hour too late. George Washington, the future Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, criticized the slowness of Pickering’s march, saying:

“If the retreat had not been as precipitate as it was — and God knows it could not well have been more so — the [British] troops must have surrendered or been totally cut off. For they had not arrived in Charlestown half an hour before a powerful body of men from Marblehead and Salem was at their heels, and if they had happened to be one hour sooner [they would have] inevitably intercepted their retreat.”

The Battles of Lexington and Concord End at Bunker Hill

Date and Time — April 19, 7:30 p.m.

The British Expedition crossed Charlestown Neck and marched to Bunker Hill. Earlier in the day, General Gage had warned the citizens of Charlestown against taking up arms against the British troops.

Charlestown was caught between the oncoming Expedition and the British ships in the harbor. They knew if they attacked the Expedition the ships would open fire on the town.

When General Hugh Percy arrived at Charlestown, he met with town officials, who agreed to let the Expedition pass unmolested. In return, Percy promised his men would not loot their homes or attack anyone. Percy had his officers patrol the streets while the column marched through and made its way to Bunker Hill.

Percy and his men remained on Bunker Hill, where they were protected by the guns of the ships in the harbor. General Gage sent reinforcements to keep watch and guard Percy and his men against another attack.

The Battles of Lexington and Concord — and the opening conflict of the American Revolutionary War — finally ended.

Percy filed a report the next day, April 20, with Gage. He praised his men and criticized the Americans:

“His Majesty’s troops during the whole of the affair behaved with their usual intrepidity and spirit nor were they a little exasperated at the cruelty and barbarity of the rebels, who scalped and cut off the ears of some of the wounded men who fell into their hands.”

Zachariah Brown and Thomas Davis Jr. refuted Percy’s claims in their testimony and said, “…neither of those persons were scalped, nor their ears cut off, as has been represented.” — Deposition #21.

The Siege of Boston Begins

In Somerville, General William Heath held a Council of War at the bottom of Prospect Hill and prepared to keep the British from leaving Boston again.

• Heath sent men to guard the roads from Somerville to Charlestown Neck.
• The remaining militia — roughly 4,000 men — were instructed to gather at Cambridge.
• Instead of retreating and returning to their homes and farms, the militia remained, and the Siege of Boston started.
• Within a week, another 16,000 men from Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island joined them.
• These troops were organized into the New England Army of Observation, under the command of General Artemas Ward.

Battles of Lexington and Concord Casualties

British casualties were estimated to be 273 in total:

• 73 killed
• 174 wounded
• 26 missing

American casualties were estimated to be 95 in total:

• 49 killed
• 41 wounded
• 5 missing.

Depositions and Reports

In the aftermath of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress moved quickly to compile a report that absolved the colonists of blame for the events of April 18–19.

23 Depositions were taken, and dozens of eyewitnesses and participants were interviewed, including Captain John Parker and three British soldiers.

Congress issued its report on May 22, 1775, and placed the blame for the battles squarely on the shoulders of General Gage. Further, it accused the British of firing first at the Battle of Lexington, initiating the war.

References and Suggested Reading

• Atkinson, Rick, The British Are Coming
• Bell, J.L., The Road to Concord: How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War
• Birnbaum, Louis, Red Dawn at Lexington
• Borneman, Walter R., American Spring
• Clarke, Jonas, Opening of the War of the Revolution
• Coburn, Frank Warren, The Battle of April 19, 1775
• Coburn, Frank Warren, Fiction and Truth about the Battle on Lexington Common, April 19, 1775
• Daughan, George C., Lexington and Concord
• Fischer, David Hackett, Paul Revere’s Ride
• Frothingham, Richard, History of the Siege of Boston
• Philbrick, Nathaniel, Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution
• Phinney, Elias, History of the Battle at Lexington
• Ripley, Ezra, A History of the Fight at Concord
• Tourtellot, Arthur B., Lexington and Concord: the Beginning of the War of the American Revolution
• Ward, Christopher, The War of the Revolution

• Written by Randal Rust