On the night of April 18th, 1775, over 700 British soldiers were sent from Boston to Concord to destroy a store of ammunition and other supplies for an anticipated war. As dawn approached on the fateful following morning, the town militia of Lexington stood in anxious anticipation to stand in their way. The two groups squared off on the town common, a single, mysterious shot rang out, and the British soldiers opened fire. When the smoke cleared, eight Americans lay dead, another ten were wounded, and a war for independence had begun.

Each year, the town of Lexington and a dedicated corps of reenactors recreates this event in real time on its original site. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, April 18th, at approximately 5:15 AM.

VISITOR TIPS: The Battle Reenactment starts very early in the morning, with the Belfry ringing the militia to muster at 5:15 am and the battle following at 6:00 am (the actual time the historic battle occurred). The crowd around the Green can be several people deep; plan to arrive early, by 4:00 AM if not earlier, to pick a viewing spot. Ladders and stepstools are not allowed on the Green (please see the town website for other restrictions).

Photo courtesy of the Lexington Minute Men

This event explores our region’s revolutionary past! Learn about Freedom’s Way 250 and discover the many ways the Heritage Area and its partners are commemorating and celebrating our nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary.