Which 1775 engagements are traditionally regarded as the first battles of the American Revolutionary War?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord are traditionally regarded as the first battles of the American Revolutionary War.

Fighting began on April 19, 1775, in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord. British troops marched from Boston to seize colonial military supplies at Concord. Colonial militia confronted the British at Lexington, and the ensuing fighting continued as the British column withdrew toward Boston.

The British force reached Concord and destroyed some supplies, but colonial resistance grew rapidly. Militia units fired on the retreating troops from behind walls, trees, and buildings. The day produced heavy casualties and demonstrated that armed conflict between the colonies and Britain had begun.

The battles preceded the Declaration of Independence by more than a year. They also came before the formal creation of the Continental Army, which Congress established in June 1775 and placed under George Washington’s command. The Battle of Bunker Hill followed near Boston in June.