The first shots of the American Revolutionary War occurred at Lexington, Massachusetts.
On April 19, 1775, British troops marched from Boston toward Concord to seize colonial military supplies. Colonial militia assembled on Lexington Common, where fighting broke out between the militia and British regulars. The opening exchange caused casualties and began the armed conflict that developed into the American Revolutionary War.
The British then continued toward Concord, where they encountered stronger resistance at the North Bridge. During the retreat to Boston, militia forces repeatedly attacked the British column. The events are collectively called the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Concord is often included in the name because the fighting there and along the return route was extensive. However, Lexington is the specific town associated with the first shots. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized American independence.