What event is recognized as the first military engagement of the American Revolutionary War?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord are recognized as the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War.

On April 19, 1775, British troops marched from Boston toward Concord, Massachusetts, intending to seize colonial military supplies. Colonial militia members gathered at Lexington Green, where the first clash occurred. The famous phrase “shot heard round the world” later came to describe the opening exchange, although its precise origin is uncertain.

The British continued to Concord, where militia confronted them at the North Bridge. After searching for and destroying some supplies, the British began their return march to Boston. Colonial fighters attacked from behind walls, trees, and buildings along the road, causing significant British casualties.

The fighting transformed political resistance into open war. The Second Continental Congress soon created the Continental Army and appointed George Washington commander in chief. The battles are sometimes confused with the Battle of Bunker Hill, which occurred several months later, in June 1775, during the Siege of Boston.