Boston Campaign > Battles of Lexington and Concord

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Background

The Battles of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775, marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. These engagements between British regulars and American colonial militia were the first military actions of the conflict, setting the stage for the struggle for American independence. The battles took place in the towns of Lexington and Concord in the Province of Massachusetts Bay.

Background:

1. Tensions and Prelude:

   • In the years leading up to 1775, tensions between the American colonies and the British government had been escalating due to issues like taxation without representation, the Intolerable Acts, and increasing British military presence in the colonies.
   • The colonial militias, known as Minutemen, were preparing for possible conflict by stockpiling arms and ammunition. The British, aware of these activities, planned to seize these supplies to prevent rebellion.

2. British Objectives:

   • British General Thomas Gage, the military governor of Massachusetts, ordered a detachment of about 700 British regulars, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith, to march to Concord and destroy military supplies stored by the colonial militia.

3. Colonial Response:

   • Patriot leaders, including Paul Revere and William Dawes, were alerted to the British plan and rode out to warn the colonial militias of the approaching British troops. Revere's famous midnight ride spread the alarm, allowing the Minutemen to mobilize.

The Battles:

1. Battle of Lexington:

   • At dawn on April 19, 1775, the British troops reached Lexington, where they encountered a small group of about 77 Minutemen assembled on the village green. The colonial militia, led by Captain John Parker, were outnumbered and ordered to disperse.
   • A shot was fired, though it is unclear from which side, sparking a brief skirmish. The British troops fired a volley, killing eight Minutemen and wounding several others. The colonists then dispersed, and the British continued their march to Concord.

2. Battle of Concord:

   • Upon reaching Concord, the British troops found some of the military supplies had been removed by the colonists. They destroyed what they could find, including gun carriages, flour, and other supplies.
   • Meanwhile, Minutemen from surrounding towns began to gather at Concord's North Bridge. By mid-morning, about 400 colonial militia had assembled, outnumbering the British force guarding the bridge.

3. Engagement at North Bridge:

   • The colonists advanced on the British troops at North Bridge, and a skirmish ensued. The colonial militia opened fire, killing three British soldiers and wounding several others. The British retreated from the bridge, regrouping in Concord.
   • The engagement at North Bridge marked the first time that colonial militia had been ordered to fire upon British regulars.

4. British Retreat to Boston:

   • As the British began their return march to Boston, colonial militia forces harassed them along the route, using guerrilla tactics. The Minutemen fired from behind trees, stone walls, and buildings, inflicting heavy casualties.
   • Reinforcements from Boston met the retreating British troops in Lexington, but the harassment continued. By the time the British reached the safety of Boston, they had suffered significant losses.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Casualties:

   • British casualties were around 73 killed, 174 wounded, and 26 missing. American casualties were approximately 49 killed, 39 wounded, and five missing.
   • The higher British casualties demonstrated the effectiveness of the colonial militia's tactics and their determination to resist British control.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the outbreak of open armed conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain. The events galvanized colonial resistance and led to the mobilization of thousands of militia.
   • The British retreat to Boston resulted in the Siege of Boston, with colonial forces encircling the city and eventually forcing the British to evacuate in March 1776.

3. Impact on Colonial Unity:

   • The battles served as a rallying point for the colonies, uniting them in the common cause of resistance against British rule. The widespread news of the engagements stirred colonial support for the revolution.
   • The Second Continental Congress convened in May 1775, leading to the creation of the Continental Army and the appointment of George Washington as its commander-in-chief.

Significance:

• Start of the Revolution: The Battles of Lexington and Concord are often referred to as "the shot heard 'round the world," symbolizing the start of the American Revolutionary War and the beginning of the struggle for independence.
• Guerrilla Tactics: The effective use of guerrilla tactics by the colonial militia demonstrated the potential for a successful insurgency against a better-equipped and professional army, setting a precedent for future engagements.
• Colonial Resolve: The battles showcased the determination and resolve of the American colonists to defend their rights and liberties, setting the stage for a protracted and determined fight for independence.

The Battles of Lexington and Concord remain iconic moments in American history, marking the beginning of the Revolutionary War and the birth of the United States' fight for independence.

Boston Campaign Battles

• Battle of Bunker Hill
• Battle of Chelsea Creek
• Battle of Gloucester
• Battle of Machias
• Battles of Lexington and Concord
• Burning of Falmouth
• Fortification of Dorchester Heights
• Knox Expedition
• Paul Revere's Ride

Sources

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources