Which April 1775 battles marked the start of armed conflict in the American Revolution?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the start of armed conflict in the American Revolution.

On April 19, 1775, British soldiers marched from Boston toward Concord, Massachusetts, intending to seize colonial military supplies. Colonial militiamen confronted them first at Lexington, where the opening clash took place.

British troops continued to Concord, but militiamen resisted them there and attacked the column during its retreat toward Boston. The fighting spread along the road and caused substantial casualties on both sides.

The battles followed years of political tension over taxation, representation, and imperial authority. They are sometimes remembered through Paul Revere’s ride, but Revere was one of several riders who warned communities; he did not complete the entire route alone. The clashes transformed protest into open war.