In the Revolutionary War story highlighted by America250, which 1775 battle is commonly called the war’s opening clash?

In the Revolutionary War story highlighted by America250, the Battles of Lexington and Concord are commonly called the war’s opening clash.

Fighting began on April 19, 1775, in Massachusetts. British troops marched from Boston toward Concord to seize military supplies, while colonial militia mobilized along the route. The first fighting occurred at Lexington, and the advancing force later reached Concord before withdrawing toward Boston under sustained attacks.

The battles did not immediately create an independent United States. At that stage, many colonists still described themselves as defending traditional rights within the British Empire. The conflict widened, however, and the Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army in the following months.

Lexington and Concord is plural because the event included several engagements along the road between the two towns. Bunker Hill, fought near Boston on June 17, 1775, was a later major battle. The opening clashes therefore belong to the pre-Declaration phase of the history America250 commemorates.