Which 1775 engagement is commonly regarded as the first major military action of the American Revolutionary War?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord are commonly regarded as the first major military actions of the American Revolutionary War.

The fighting occurred on April 19, 1775, in Massachusetts. British troops marched from Boston toward Concord to locate and destroy colonial military supplies. Patriot riders warned local militia units, and the first clash took place at Lexington.

The British continued to Concord, where colonial militia confronted them at the North Bridge. During the troops’ return to Boston, militia from surrounding communities repeatedly attacked the column. The day’s fighting helped turn political resistance into an open war.

The phrase “first shot” is often linked specifically to Lexington, but the engagement included several clashes along the route between Boston, Lexington, and Concord. Bunker Hill followed several weeks later, while Saratoga and Yorktown were much later campaigns.