Which 1775 battles are widely regarded as the opening clashes of the American Revolutionary War highlighted by America250?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord are widely regarded as the opening clashes of the American Revolutionary War highlighted by America250.

The fighting took place in Massachusetts on April 19, 1775. British troops marched from Boston toward Concord to seize colonial military supplies, but colonial militia intercepted them at Lexington. Fighting continued through Concord and along the road back toward Boston.

The encounters transformed a political dispute into open warfare between Great Britain and the rebellious colonies. Colonial forces mobilized rapidly after the fighting, helping create the siege of Boston. The Second Continental Congress later appointed George Washington commander in chief of the Continental Army.

These battles are sometimes confused with Bunker Hill, which occurred near Boston on June 17, 1775. Bunker Hill was an important early battle, but Lexington and Concord came first and are conventionally identified as the war’s opening engagements.