Which two battles began the American Revolutionary War, the conflict commemorated by America250?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord began the American Revolutionary War, the conflict commemorated by America250.

Fighting broke out on April 19, 1775, in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington, Concord, Lincoln, and Menotomy. British troops marched from Boston to Concord to seize colonial military supplies, but colonial militia members confronted them at Lexington. The first exchange of gunfire there became a famous opening moment of the war.

At Concord’s North Bridge, colonial forces drove back the British regulars. The British then retreated toward Boston while militia fired from roadsides and houses. The day produced heavy casualties on both sides and triggered a wider military mobilization.

The battles are sometimes confused with Bunker Hill, which occurred nearly two months later. Lexington and Concord did not immediately create independence; the colonies were still formally seeking redress from Britain. The Declaration of Independence came more than a year afterward, in 1776.