Which 1775 battles began the American Revolutionary War, whose founding story America250 commemorates?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord began the American Revolutionary War, whose founding story America250 commemorates.

The battles took place on April 19, 1775, in Massachusetts. British troops marched from Boston toward Concord to seize colonial military supplies. Patriot leaders learned of the operation, and local militia companies assembled to oppose the expedition.

The first clash occurred at Lexington, where British regulars encountered a small group of militia. The fighting then moved to Concord, especially the Old North Bridge, before the British column began its return to Boston. Militia members from surrounding towns attacked along the route, causing significant British casualties.

The phrase “shot heard round the world” is associated with the opening of the conflict, but the identity of the person who fired the first shot at Lexington remains disputed. The events are often described as the war’s beginning, although political and military tensions had been building for years. The battles also began the Siege of Boston.