What was the first major military engagement of the American Revolutionary War?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first major military engagements of the American Revolutionary War.

Fighting began on April 19, 1775, in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord. British regulars marched from Boston to seize colonial military supplies, but local militia mobilized and confronted them. Shots were exchanged at Lexington before the British continued toward Concord.

At Concord’s North Bridge, colonial militia resisted the British expedition. During the long return march to Boston, militia from surrounding communities repeatedly attacked the retreating troops from behind walls, trees, and other covered positions. The day transformed an escalating political crisis into an open armed conflict.

Lexington and Concord are sometimes described as one battle, but the conventional name uses the plural “Battles” because fighting occurred at multiple locations. The engagement preceded the Declaration of Independence by more than a year. The Second Continental Congress later appointed George Washington commander in chief of the Continental Army.