Battle Description

The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the outbreak of armed conflict between Great Britain and its thirteen American colonies. On the night of April 18, 1775, British troops marched from Boston to seize colonial military supplies stored in Concord. Paul Revere and other riders warned local militias, who mobilized in response.

At dawn on April 19, British forces encountered a small group of colonial militiamen on Lexington Green. A shot—later dubbed “the shot heard ’round the world”—was fired, triggering a brief skirmish. The British continued to Concord, where they faced organized resistance at the North Bridge. As they retreated to Boston, colonial militias harassed them along the route, inflicting significant casualties.

Outcome (including casualties)

• Outcome: Strategic American victory; British forces completed their mission but suffered heavy losses during retreat.
• Casualties:
  • American: ~49 killed, ~39 wounded
  • British: ~73 killed, ~174 wounded, ~26 missing

Significance on the Revolution

Lexington and Concord ignited the Revolutionary War. The battles demonstrated the resolve of colonial militias and shattered any remaining illusions of peaceful reconciliation. News of the conflict spread rapidly, galvanizing support for independence and prompting the Second Continental Congress to form the Continental Army under George Washington.