Which 1775 battles began the American Revolutionary War commemorated by America250?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord began the American Revolutionary War commemorated by America250. Fighting broke out in Massachusetts on April 19, 1775, between British regulars and Massachusetts militia.

British troops marched from Boston toward Concord to seize colonial military supplies. At Lexington, local militiamen and British soldiers exchanged fire. The British continued to Concord, where colonists resisted at the North Bridge, then faced attacks during the retreat to Boston.

The battles did not immediately produce American independence. More than a year later, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. The 2026 anniversary therefore commemorates a later milestone in a conflict that had already begun.

Lexington and Concord are sometimes confused with Bunker Hill, which occurred near Boston on June 17, 1775. Bunker Hill was an early major battle, but it was not the opening clash of the war.