5 Interesting Facts About the Battle of Lexington

The Battle of Lexington was a significant part of America’s Revolutionary history, solidifying colonists’ fight for independence from British rule. Here are five facts about that fateful day on April 19, 1775. 

1) Lexington Militia Were Local Farmers and Tradesmen 

The Lexington militiamen who fought during the Battle of Lexington consisted of farmers and tradesmen. They were non-uniformed and armed with a variety of firearms that included muskets and fowling pieces. Even Captain John Parker worked as a farmer before he became a commander of the Lexington militia. 

2) Lexington Militia Did Not Intend to Fight the British Regulars At First

Captain John Parker did not want the militia to fight with the Regulars because he knew it would be treasonous for them to fire first, which would weaken their efforts to portray the Regulars as acting unjustly. He also believed it could be dangerous for his 77 militiamen to face over 700 British troops. As the militiamen stood on the Lexington Battle Green, Parker told them, “Stand your ground, do not fire unless fired upon. If they mean to have a war, let it begin here.” He had hoped that their presence would remind the British that colonists were armed and ready to defend themselves at any moment. Once the first shot was fired (historians still debate who fired it), nervous British soldiers fired a volley, and the Battle of Lexington began, marking the start of the American Revolution. 

3) General Thomas Gage’s Main Goal Was To Find Military Supplies 

When British General Thomas Gage ordered his men to travel toward Lexington, his main goal was to find weapons, supplies, and cannons that were stored by the colonial militia in Concord. However, Gage also received orders to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock, leaders of the Sons of Liberty who rebelled against British rule. If they were discovered by the British troops, they would be found guilty of treason and hanged.

4) Paul Revere Was Not the Only Rider

While Paul Revere is remembered as the hero riding from Boston to Lexington to warn that “the Regulars are coming out,” there were many other riders involved. William Dawes, Dr. Samuel Prescott, and dozens of other riders warned local residents of the British arrival.

5) No One Still Knows Who Fired The First Shot

The biggest mystery of the Battle of Lexington is who fired the first shot. The Regulars claim the militiamen fired the shot while the militiamen say the Regulars did. Even records say one of the men on the Lexington Battle Green shot first while others say a spectator sitting behind a stone wall near Buckman Tavern did. While there is no confirmation on who is responsible for this first shot, we do know that it marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. 

To uncover more information about the Battle of Lexington, read our blog Tour the Battles of Lexington and Concord. And we hope to see you at all the 2025 Lex250 celebrations in April!