Heroes of Lexington During the Revolutionary War

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and to get ready for Patriots’ Day 2025, we’re celebrating three monumental Lexington figures who made a significant impact during the Battle of Lexington and the American Revolution.

Captain John Parker

Captain John Parker was a Lexington native, farmer, mechanic, and town officer. Parker was no stranger to war as he had fought in the French and Indian (Seven Years) War in 1758 and later was elected as the Captain of the Lexington militia. 

At the time of the events on April 19, 1775, Parker was suffering from tuberculosis. However, when he heard the news that the British Regulars would be marching to Concord, he joined his team of militiamen on the Lexington Battle Green. Originally, Parker did not plan for the militia to fight with the British Regulars, telling his men, “Stand your ground, do not fire unless fired upon. If they mean to have a war, let it begin here.” When the first shot was fired (from an unknown source), both sides began firing, and eight of Parker’s men were killed.

The remaining Lexington militiamen regrouped along a road (on the border of Lexington and Lincoln), where they hid and waited for the British troops to return. Once the British Regulars retreated from Concord, coming through Lexington, the militiamen ambushed them. While Captain John Parker did not see the end of the war, as he died in September 1775, his impact on the American Revolution is not forgotten.

Reverend Jonas Clarke

Reverend Jonas Clarke became the pastor of the First Parish Church in Lexington in 1755. As a supporter of American independence and the Sons of Liberty, he preached sermons focused on uniting the people of Lexington. He also served as a moral guide for Patriots during this tumultuous time. 

During the days leading up to the Battle of Lexington, the reverend allowed Sons of Liberty leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock to take refuge at his home, the Hancock-Clarke House. After midnight on April 19, 1775, Paul Revere came to the home to warn both Adams and Hancock that the “Regulars are out.”

The Lexington Militiamen

The Lexington militiamen were made up of farmers and tradesmen. They were non-uniformed and armed with a variety of firearms which included muskets and fowling pieces. These militiamen were outnumbered during the Battle of Lexington but faced the British head-on. Once the British troops had returned to Lexington during their retreat from Concord to Boston, these same militiamen ambushed them, letting the Regulars know that they are a force to be reckoned with.

To discover more about Lexington’s strength during the American Revolution and about what Lexington is doing to celebrate Lex250, read our blog.