Tour the Battle of Lexington and Concord

The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Let’s talk more about the battles and the historic sites where key events took place.

When were the Battles of Lexington and Concord? 

In April 1775, England ordered General Thomas Gage to take action against the Patriots and ruin their plans of rebellion. On the night of April 18, 1775, British troops marched from Boston to Concord. However, Paul Revere and other riders were able to sound the alarm, warning residents that the British were coming. The actual battles took place on April 19, 1775, and spread out through both Lexington and Concord.

Who won the Battles of Lexington and Concord? 

When the British troops marched into Lexington, they came face-to-face with a militia of 77 men. From there, a shot rang out, known as the “shot heard round the world” (although it is a point of discussion on who fired the first shot). British troops killed eight militiamen and wounded nine. 

Once the British forces arrived at Concord’s North Bridge, 400 Minutemen from Concord surrounded them. The British troops then retreated to Boston, passing through Lexington again where vengeful Minutemen ambushed them.

After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, many Patriots swarmed to join the fight. In 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Then, in 1783, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution and establishing America as an independent nation. 

Lexington Sites of the Battle of Lexington

Take a tour of Lexington’s memorable sites during that fateful day in 1775 to discover more about the battles.

Hancock-Clarke House

John Hancock and Sam Adams were residing at Jonas Clarke’s home when Paul Revere arrived at midnight on April 19, 1775. This is when he said the famous words “The Regulars are out,” meaning that British troops were on their way. Now, the Lexington Historical Society owns the Hancock-Clarke House. Here, visitors will discover period furnishings and portraits. 

The house is closed for the season. Learn more information about their tours. 

The Belfry

On April 19, 1775, The Belfry sounded the alarm that told the Lexington militia that the British were coming. Unfortunately, the original structure was destroyed by a hurricane in 1909. However, the Lexington Historical Society erected a replica in 1910. This bell rings every Patriots’ Day, commemorating all the colonists who fought the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Buckman Tavern

On the morning of April 19, 1775, Captain Parker and his colonial militia gathered in the Buckman Tavern waiting for the British troops to arrive. This tavern is now a museum where visitors can view galleries.

Learn more information about touring the Buckman Tavern.

Lexington Battle Green 

Lexington Battle Green is where the battle began, right in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775. Captain Parker lined up his Patriot men on this battleground as they watched the British soldiers marching toward them. About 77 men were a part of this militia that fought the British. The Lexington Battle Green grounds are viewable all year. 

Munroe Tavern

When the British retreated to Boston after the Battle of Lexington, they took shelter in the Munroe Tavern. It operated as a temporary hospital and headquarters for British General Earl Percy and his 1,000 men. The Lexington Historical Society owns this tavern, but it is temporarily closed to the public for the season. Munroe Tavern will open its doors again starting April 6; learn more about how you can tour the historic tavern.

Learn More about the Battles of Lexington and Concord in the American Revolution

Take a trip to the Visitors Center, where you’ll find a full Diorama of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Head to the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum where you’ll find texts like the Minuteman Newspaper. Sign up for a Battle Green Tour or Liberty Trolley Tour to get a full scope of Lexington’s historic monuments during the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Unearth Lexington’s Revolutionary history and visit today!