What 1775 engagements are commonly called the first battles of the American Revolutionary War?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord are commonly called the first battles of the American Revolutionary War.

They took place in Massachusetts on April 19, 1775. British soldiers marched from Boston toward Concord to seize colonial military supplies, while local Patriot leaders mobilized militia companies. The first clash occurred at Lexington, where a small group of militiamen confronted the British advance.

The British continued to Concord, but colonial forces resisted them at the North Bridge and along the return route to Boston. Militia units from surrounding communities repeatedly attacked from positions along the road. The day transformed a political crisis into a large-scale armed conflict and helped bring the other colonies into the war effort.

The phrase “first battle” can be slightly misleading because Lexington was a brief skirmish, while the day included several separate engagements. Together, however, Lexington and Concord are recognized as the opening military action of the Revolution.