A History Lesson about the Diorama of the Battle of Lexington
December 10, 2024
Right at the Lexington Visitors Center, you’ll find the Diorama of the Battle of Lexington, a fascinating exhibit highlighting one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War.
A Brief Overview of the Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first battles of the Revolutionary War. On the night of April 18, 1775, British troops started to march from Boston to Concord to ruin the colonists’ ideas of rebellion. Paul Revere and other riders sounded the alarm, warning residents that the “Regulars were coming”. On the morning of April 19, 1775, the British troops marched into Lexington where they were met with 77 militiamen gathered on the Lexington Battle Green. A shot rang out (although no one knows who shot first), and the British troops killed eight militiamen and wounded nine. The British marched on towards Concord where 400 militiamen surrounded them. Hours later, the British troops retreated back to Boston, where they passed through Lexington and vengeful militia ambushed them.
About the Diorama
The diorama is a collection of miniature figurines that illustrate events during the Battle of Lexington. Built by Major William Francis Buckley, this diorama was first exhibited at the World’s Fair in New York in 1964 before it came to the Lexington Visitors Center.
The diorama illustrates the hundreds of British Regulars who moved out of Boston, through Lexington, and marched on towards Concord. The diorama also includes the militia who came to fight against the British army. While they might have been outnumbered, they showed great passion for freedom, as even colonists eventually took a stand against British rule.
Why You Should See the Diorama
If you love history, specifically Revolutionary history, the diorama is a great place to see the Battle of Lexington “in action” while appreciating the incredible detail and craftsmanship of the display.
Check out the diorama at the Visitors Center, open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.
